Cinoxacin

An article about the antibiotic Cinoxacin

Cinoxacin
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Cinoxacin is a synthetic antibiotic belonging to the quinolone class. It was primarily used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. Although it was once a common treatment, it has largely been replaced by newer antibiotics with improved efficacy and safety profiles.

Mechanism of Action

Cinoxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase, an enzyme critical for DNA replication and transcription. By interfering with this enzyme, cinoxacin prevents bacteria from reproducing and repairing themselves, leading to bacterial cell death.

Pharmacokinetics

Cinoxacin is administered orally and is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is widely distributed throughout the body and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. This makes it particularly effective for treating infections of the urinary tract.

Clinical Uses

Cinoxacin was used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and other susceptible organisms. It was not effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or anaerobic bacteria.

Side Effects

Common side effects of cinoxacin included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients experienced photosensitivity, leading to increased risk of sunburn. Rarely, it could cause central nervous system effects such as dizziness and headache.

Resistance

Bacterial resistance to cinoxacin can develop through mutations in the genes encoding DNA gyrase or through efflux mechanisms that reduce drug accumulation in bacterial cells. The emergence of resistance has limited the use of cinoxacin in clinical practice.

History

Cinoxacin was introduced in the 1970s as one of the first quinolone antibiotics. It was a precursor to the development of more advanced quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, which have broader spectra of activity and improved pharmacokinetic properties.

Discontinuation

Due to the development of newer antibiotics with better safety and efficacy profiles, cinoxacin has been largely discontinued in many countries. It is no longer a first-line treatment for urinary tract infections.

Related pages

• Quinolone
• Urinary tract infection
• Antibiotic resistance

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  Cinoxacin