General Characteristics and Spectrum of Activity
These drugs belong to the group of synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. Their key feature is potent activity not only against classic bacteria, but also against pathogenic anaerobes, such as Clostridium species and Bacteroides (including Bacteroides fragilis).
The antimicrobial spectrum covers:
- Gram-negative rods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, and Shigella.
- Gram-positive cocci: Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Neisseria meningitidis.
The bactericidal mechanism of action is based on the stimulation of peroxidation processes. This leads to profound structural alterations in the microbial cell cytoplasm and inhibition of DNA biosynthesis. Notably, the efficacy of these drugs increases significantly under anaerobic conditions.
Key Representatives and Characteristics of Dioxidine
The pharmacological group includes two main representatives: Quinoxidine and Hydroxymethylquinoxalinedioxide (widely known under the trade name Dioxidine).
Dioxidine is classified as a highly toxic compound; therefore, its use is strictly limited. The drug is used exclusively in adult patients within a hospital setting when other antimicrobial agents prove ineffective.
Indications are divided into two main categories:
- Systemic and intracavitary administration (intravenous, into body cavities): used strictly for vital indications in severe mixed or anaerobic infections, sepsis, purulent pleurisy, lung abscesses, peritonitis, cystitis, and infections caused by multiresistant strains.
- Topical application (as ointments, solutions, and aerosols): prescribed for infected wounds, burn infections, trophic ulcers, mastitis, phlegmon, and pyoderma.
Pharmacokinetics, Toxicity, and Adverse Effects of Quinoxidine
The second representative of the group—Quinoxidine—is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract upon oral administration and is eliminated naturally by the kidneys with urine and by the liver with bile.
The toxicological profile of the drug includes serious features such as embryotoxicity and a pronounced mutagenic potential.
Quinoxidine is administered orally for severe infectious processes:
- Pyelitis and cystitis (urinary tract);
- Cholecystitis and cholangitis (biliary tract);
- Lung abscesses and sepsis.
Administration of the drug may be accompanied by several adverse reactions:
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting.
- Neurological: dizziness, spasmodic contractions of the calf muscles.
- Endocrine system: adrenal dysfunction.
- Dermatological reactions: skin photosensitivity, as well as systemic reactions such as chills.