n. one of a group of chemically related synthetic antibiotics that includes *ciprofloxacin, *nalidixic acid, and *ofloxacin. These drugs act by inactivating an enzyme, DNA gyrase, that is necessary for replication of the microorganisms and are often useful for treating infections with organisms that have become resistant to other antibiotics. Possible side-effects of quinolones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and itching. Confusion, joint pains, skin troubles, and tendinitis occasionally occur.
A group of chemically related synthetic ANTIBIOTICS. Examples include nalidixic acid, cinoxacin and nor?oxocin which are e?ective in treating uncomplicated urinary-tract, respiratory-tract and gastrointestinal infections. They are usually e?ective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria (see GRAM’S STAIN). Many staphylococci – including METHICILLINRESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) – are resistant to quinolones. This group of drugs has a range of potentially troublesome side-effects including nausea, vomiting, DYSPEPSIA, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, sleep disorders and PRURITUS.... quinolones
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