Classification and structure-activity relationships of fluoroquinolones.
Fluoroquinolones are potent broad spectrum antibacterial agents. Two classifications have been described: chemical and biological. Quinolones can be classified into 4 groups according to their chemical structures: monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic and tetracyclic derivatives. Each group can be subdivided into subgroups if a fluorine atom is fixed at the 6-position. The biological classification recognised 4 groups. Groups 1 and 2 are composed of compounds showing limited spectra (Enterobacteriaceae) and groups 3 and 4 contain compounds displaying broad antibacterial spectra. Compounds that are highly metabolised fall into groups 1 and 3 and those poorly metabolised (< 5%) into groups 2 and 4. The structure of fluoroquinolones may help to predict antibacterial activity, pharmacokinetics, physicochemical properties, toxicity and adverse events.
Domaine Antibiothérapie, Roussel Uclaf, Romainville, France.
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Bryskier
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JF
Chantot
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D006801:Humans; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones