Quinolones
The quinolones are a separate group of antibiotics with structures and chemical properties different from the beta lactam antibiotics, the macrolides, or the sulfas. Quinolones are so named because they contain a quinolone ring structure. Quinolones that contain a fluorine atom are known as fluoroquinolones and are systemically active, broad spectrum antibiotics. The fluorine atom is largely responsible for the quinolones activity against gram positive organisms. It is felt the quinolones exert most of their antimicrobial activity through inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase.
Use of quinolones in the pediatric population has traditionally
been avoided due to concerns over joint arthropathies. Quinolones
are know to accumulate in the joints of developing animals and
can cause damage to joint cartilage. However, the FDA recently
approved the use of a fluoroquinolone eardrop preparation (ofloxin
otic) for use in children with certain forms of otitis media.
Click here for more information on ofloxin
otic.