Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 49, Issue 2, Supplement 2 , Pages S73-S78, March 2004

Fluoroquinolones: mechanism of action, classification, and development of resistance☆

  • Joseph M. Blondeau, MSc, PhD, RSM (CCM), SM (AAM), FCCP

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint address: Joseph M Blondeau, MSc, PhD, RSM (CCM), SM (AAM), FCCP, Royal University, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8 Canada.

Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal University Hospital and the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Abstract 

The fluoroquinolones represent an evolving class of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents used in the prevention and treatment of a variety of ocular infections; however, resistance to currently available agents in the class has been emerging among ocular pathogens. This article reviews the mechanism of action of existing and new fluoroquinolones and discusses the structure–activity relationship of the fluoroquinolones as it relates to the classification of these compounds. This article also highlights the mechanism of resistance among common ocular pathogens and discusses the potential need for newer fluoroquinolones in ophthalmology.

Keywords: antimicrobials, fluoroquinolones, mechanisms of action, ocular infections, resistance topoisomerases

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☆ The author reported no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article. The author has received a research grant and is on the speaker bureau of numerous pharmaceutical companies, including Allergan, Inc.

PII: S0039-6257(04)00006-2

doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2004.01.005

Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 49, Issue 2, Supplement 2 , Pages S73-S78, March 2004

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