Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Using this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
Drug information changes as the FDA updates labeling, and we cannot guarantee it is complete or current. Verify critical details with your pharmacist or physician.
Emergencies: If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Report side effects to the FDA MedWatch program at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
See our Terms of Use and Editorial Policy.
Overview
Broad-spectrum synthetic antibiotics used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections. They are among the most commonly prescribed antibiotics worldwide.
How do fluoroquinolone antibiotics work?
Fluoroquinolones work by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, which are essential enzymes for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. By blocking these enzymes, fluoroquinolones prevent bacterial cells from replicating their DNA, leading to cell death. They exhibit concentration-dependent bactericidal activity.
Drugs in this class
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR)