Abstract

Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics with potent bactericidal, broad spectrum activity against many clinically important pathogens which are responsible for variety of infections including urinary tract infections (UTI), gastrointestinal infections, respiratory tract infections (RTI), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and skin infections. They are primarily used against urinary tract infections and are also clinically useful against prostatitis, infections of skin and bones and penicillin resistant sexually transmitted diseases. The growth in understanding of structure activity relationships with fluoroquinolones has enabled the development of even better compounds. The targets in fluoroquinolone research during the last few years include: improvements in pharmacokinetic properties, greater activity against gram-positive cocci and anaerobes, activity against fluoroquinolone-resistant strains, and improvements in activity against non-fermentative gram-negative species. The compounds developed in the recent years have fulfilled some but not all of these goals; improved bioavailability is one target achieved with most of the more recent compounds allowing for once-daily dosing.© 2011 IGJPS. All rights reserved.

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