Ofloxacin (Synonyms: DL-8280, WP0405)

Ofloxacin (Hoe-280) is a fluoroquinolone whose primary mechanism of action is inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase.

Ofloxacin (Hoe-280) is a fluoroquinolone whose primary mechanism of action is inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase. In vitro it has a broad spectrum of activity against aerobic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, although it is poorly active against anaerobes[1]. Ofloxacin (Hoe-280), like other 4-quinolones, is unusual among front line drugs available to treat bacterial infections since it affects bacterial DNA synthesis, rather than cell wall or protein synthesis[2].

Ofloxacin (Hoe-280) (20 mg/kg), norfloxacin (40 mg/kg), pefloxacin mesylate dihydrate (40 mg/kg)and ciprofloxacin (50 mg/kg) are administered by gavage twice daily for three consecutive weeks. 6 weeks after treatment, the test animals are euthanised and Achilles tendon specimens are collected. A computer monitored tensile testing machine was utilised for biomechanical testing. The mean elastic modulus of the control group was significantly higher than that of the norfloxacin and pefloxacin groups (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). The mean yield force (YF) of the control group was significantly higher than those of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and pefloxacin groups (p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). The mean ultimate tensile force (UTF) of the control group was significantly higher than of the ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and pefloxacin groups (p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Hyaline degeneration and fibre disarrangement were observed in the tendons of the ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin, and ofloxacin treated-groups, whereas myxomatous degeneration was observed only in the ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin groups[3].

References:
[1]. Todd PA, et al. Ofloxacin. A reappraisal of its antimicrobial activity, pharmacology and therapeutic use. Drugs. 1991 Nov;42(5):825-76.
[2]. Smith JT, et al. Ofloxacin, a bactericidal antibacterial. Chemotherapy. 1991;37 Suppl 1:2-13.
[3]. Olcay E, et al. Oral toxicity of pefloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin: comparison of biomechanical and histopathological effects on Achilles tendon in rats. J Toxicol Sci. 2011 Jun;36(3):339-45.