Fluoroquinolones: An old drug with new dimensions
Author(s):
Dr. Arpita Shrivastav and Dr. Neeraj Shrivastav
Abstract:
The fluoroquinolones are a chain of synthetic antibacterial agents preferably used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections. These agents act through inhibition of the DNA gyrase, an important enzyme responsible for DNA replication by affecting DNA-rejoining reaction. The inhibition of the resealing leads to the liberation of fragments that are subsequently destroyed by the bacterial exonucleases. All fluoroquinolones accumulate within bacteria very rapidly, so that a steady-state intra bacterial concentration is obtained within a few minutes. Resistance develops slowly and is usually chromosomal and not plasmid mediated. However, development of resistance and transfer between animal and human pathogens has become a fervently argued issue among the microbiologists. Another concern regarding the use of new quinolones in the veterinary field is a possible detrimental effect on the environment. It still seems unlikely that the controlled use of veterinary quinolones will give rise to unfavorable effects on the environment.
How to cite this article:
Dr. Arpita Shrivastav, Dr. Neeraj Shrivastav. Fluoroquinolones: An old drug with new dimensions. Pharma Innovation 2018;7(11):413-417.