General Description
Cinoxacin is a synthetic quinolone antibacterial agent, structurally related to nalidixic acid but with a dioxolo group fused to the quinolone ring. The molecule contains a 1‑ethyl and a 4‑oxo group, typical of first‑generation quinolones.
Mechanism of Action
Cinoxacin inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis by targeting DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) in susceptible gram‑negative bacteria. It binds to the A subunit of gyrase, stabilizing the enzyme‑DNA complex and causing double‑strand breaks. The drug is bactericidal and exhibits concentration‑dependent killing.
Application
Cinoxacin was indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species.