Sarafloxacin

Sarafloxacin is a type of fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is primarily used in veterinary medicine. It is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is bactericidal in nature. Sarafloxacin works by inhibiting the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, two essential enzymes required for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.

History

Sarafloxacin was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 1995 for use in poultry. However, it was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in 2001 due to concerns about the development of antibiotic resistance in humans.

Mechanism of Action

Sarafloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, works by inhibiting the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes. These enzymes are necessary for the bacteria to replicate and repair their DNA. By inhibiting these enzymes, sarafloxacin prevents the bacteria from growing and multiplying, effectively killing them.

Uses

Sarafloxacin is primarily used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections in animals. It was specifically approved for use in poultry to control Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida, two bacteria that can cause serious illness in birds.

Side Effects

As with all antibiotics, sarafloxacin can cause side effects. In animals, these can include digestive upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as skin reactions. In humans, exposure to sarafloxacin can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance.

See Also

• Fluoroquinolone
• Veterinary medicine
• Antibiotic resistance