Pharmacokinetics: metabolism and renal excretion of quinolones in man

The quinolones are relatively poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The elimination proceeds mainly by renal excretion. The half-life of elimination depends on the molecular structure and varies between 2 and 10 h. Impaired kidney function is expected to increase the half-life of elimination, though this effect is not always observed. Since the 4-oxo-metabolites show a higher renal clearance than the parent drug, renal impairment will result in a cumulation of the metabolites in the body.