Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Newer Fluoroquinolones

Abstract

Newer fluoroquinolones currently under development have excellent pharmacokinetic profiles, and several parameters have been improved compared with those of their predecessors. These compounds are well absorbed, have large volumes of distribution, and distribute into most tissues at concentrations equal to or greater than those observed in serum. Moreover, these newer agents have long serum elimination half-lives that allow for once-daily dosing. With the exception of complexes with multivalent cations that retard absorption, there is a relative lack of clinically significant drug-drug interactions with these antimicrobials. Increased microbiological potency against several important pathogens, along with an enhanced pharmacokinetic profile, will make these newer ftuoroquinolones preferrable over older compounds for the treatment of a variety of infections.