Quinolones gastrointestinal infections

As with all drugs, the specific side effects of the quinolones must be considered when they are chosen for treatment of bacterial infections [5]. Reactions of the gastrointestinal tract and the central neivous system are the most often observed adverse effects during therapy with quinolones. It should be underlined, however, that compared with many other antimicrobials, diarrhea is less frequently observed during quinolone treatment. Antibiotic-associated colitis has been observed rarely during quinolone therapy. Similarly, hypersensitivity reactions, as observed during therapy with penicillins and other (3-lactams, is less frequently caused by quinolones. Some other risks of quinolone therapy have been defined and must be considered if a drug from this class is chosen for treatment of bacterial infections. 

The breakthrough in the development of quinolones came with the appearance of norfloxacin 6 [19], a second-generation quinolone which combined a 6-fluorine substituent with a piperazine ring in the 7-position of the basic compound. Additional quinolones then followed in rapid succession pefloxacin [20], enoxacin [21] and fleroxacin [22] (Fig. 14.5). Particular mention must be made of ciprofloxacin 8 [23-25], ofloxacin 5 [26,27] and its active enantiomer levofloxacin 7 [28]. These quinolones have a broad spectrum of activity, which also includes Gram-positive bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as favorable pharmacokinetics. The rapid absorption of these compounds from the gastrointestinal tract and their effective tissue penetration also allows them to be used for the treatment of systemic infections. 

For more information on absorption of quinolones, see Drugs to Treat Infections, Antibiotics - quinolones Drugs Acting on the Gastrointestinal Tract, Antacids. 

Nalidixic acid, the first quinolone, first introduced in 1962, is now only rarely used and has been supplanted by the fluoroquinolones. It is almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is rapidly eliminated by the kidneys, resulting in urinary concentrations 4-6 times higher than plasma concentrations. There are better drugs to treat urinary tract infections. 

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