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Clinical applications of quinolones
1Infectious Disease Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA. hooper.david@mgh.harvard.edu
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|September 28, 1998
Summary
Quinolone antimicrobials, inhibitors of bacterial topoisomerases, offer broad-spectrum potency. Judicious use is crucial to preserve their long-term clinical utility against evolving bacterial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Quinolone antimicrobials are potent inhibitors of bacterial topoisomerases.
- Early quinolones were most effective against Gram-negative bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and clinical applications of quinolone antimicrobials.
- To discuss the spectrum of activity, tolerability, and emerging resistance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of quinolone antimicrobial development and clinical use.
- Analysis of antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacokinetic properties, and resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Newer quinolones exhibit increased potency against Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria.
- Fluoroquinolones are effective for various infections, including STDs, GI, respiratory, skin, and bone infections.
- Good tolerability observed at standard doses, but acquired resistance is a concern.
Conclusions:
- Judicious use of quinolones is essential to maintain their clinical efficacy.
- Bacterial resistance, particularly among staphylococci, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and N. gonorrhoeae, necessitates careful prescribing practices.