Fluoroquinolonessince

Fluoroquinolonessince is a term used to describe the era in medical practice and policy that began with the development and widespread clinical use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. While not a standard term in major pharmacology glossaries, it serves as a concise label for examining the scientific, clinical, and regulatory changes associated with this drug class.

Fluoroquinolones are synthetic antimicrobials that inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for DNA replication. The fluorinated quinolones—norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and others—were introduced from the mid to late 1980s onward and became widely used for urinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections because of high oral bioavailability and broad spectrum.

Prolonged and broader use brought significant safety concerns. Adverse effects include tendinopathy and tendon rupture, central nervous system effects, QT interval prolongation, phototoxicity, and dysglycemia. In response, regulatory agencies issued warnings and restricted use, emphasizing fluoroquinolones mainly when other antibiotics are ineffective or unsuitable, particularly in children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable populations.

Resistance has emerged through mutations in DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, as well as plasmid-mediated mechanisms. Surveillance shows rising fluoroquinolone resistance among many pathogens, contributing to antimicrobial stewardship efforts and a shift toward more targeted prescribing and narrower use.

In current practice, fluoroquinolones remain valuable for specific indications but are commonly reserved for cases where benefits outweigh risks. The term fluoroquinolonessince encapsulates both the rapid adoption of this drug class and the subsequent caution, resistance, and policy changes that shaped its role in modern medicine.