What type of drug class do fluoroquinolones belong to?

Fluoroquinolones are classified as inhibitors of nucleic acid synthesis. This classification is based on their mechanism of action, which involves the inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV—enzymes essential for DNA replication and transcription in bacteria. By disrupting these critical processes, fluoroquinolones effectively prevent bacterial growth and replication.

In contrast, other classes of drugs, such as antimetabolites, work by interfering with specific metabolic pathways or the synthesis of essential co-factors; inhibitors of protein synthesis target the ribosomal machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins; and beta-lactams, which are commonly known for their role in inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, act differently than fluoroquinolones. Understanding these distinctions is key to recognizing how various antimicrobial agents function and their appropriate clinical applications.