color. A commonly used rifamycin is rifampin, which is used to attack myco-
bacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.Quinolones
Quinolones interfere with DNA gyrase (an enzyme), which is involved in DNA
replication. Quinolones are used only for infections of the urinary tract.Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones comprise a group of antibiotics that have a broad-spectrum
of activity and target urinary tract infections. Fluoroquinolones are able to
enter cells to attack pathogens. The disadvantage of fluoroquinolones is that
they may interfere with cartilage development, making them unsafe for preg-
nant women and children. Two examples that are mostly used are norfloxacin
and ciprofloxacin.ANTIMETABOLITES
Antimetabolites are a group of drugs that interfere with metabolite, which is a
substance (such as an enzyme) that is necessary for cell metabolism. Common
antimetabolites follow.Sulfonamides
Sulfonamides or sulfa drugs are used to treat urinary tract infections and control
infections in burn patients. These were among the first synthetic antimicrobial
drugs used. Commonly used sulfonamides are:- Silver sulfadiazineis used to control infections common in burn patients.
- TMP-SMZ is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole and is
used to combat intestinal tract and urinary tract gram-negative pathogens.
ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS
Antifungal drugs inhibit the growth of fungi. The commonly used antifungal drugs
follow:(^242) CHAPTER 16 Antimicrobial Drugs