Fluoroquinolonas

Abstract

Fluoroquinolones are synthetic compounds, structurally related to nalidixic acid. Its mecha­nism of action involves inhibition of bacterial DNA­ girase. They have a broad spectrum of activity. They are highly active against Enterobacteriaceae and also active against some strains of Pseudo­monas aeruginosa and Staphilococcus sp., howe­ver recent reports indicate increasing resistance. They have poor activity against streptococci and anaerobes. These agents exhibited excelknt oral absorption, good tissue distribution and are excreted primarily by way of the kidney. The inci­dence of adverse effects to fluoroquinolones appe­ars to be low. The most common are gastrointesti­ nal reactions, followed by central nervous system disorders. Hypersensivity reactions occur occa­sionally. Fluoroquinolones interact with a number of other agents, with potential clinicai manifesta­tions, such as antacids, theophylline, warf arine. The bioavailability after oral administration allows the use of these agents without loss of effi­cacity, when compared with IV administration, thus reducing substantially the treatment cost.