Unique aspects of quinolone pharmacokinetics

Despite some limited differences in pharmacokinetic parameters among the newer quinolones, their pharmacology is characterised by high volumes of distribution, long elimination half-lives, good to excellent bioavailability, low protein binding, limited biotransformation and different elimination pathways (mainly through the kidneys). The unique aspects of quinolones in comparison with beta-lactams and aminoglycosides are their higher volumes of distribution, longer elimination half-lives and their intracellular high concentration, especially in phagocytic cells.