Enoxacin. A review of its antibacterial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic use.

Enoxacin is a new addition to the class of 4-quinolone antibacterial drugs. It has a broad spectrum of in vitro antibacterial activity, and is particularly potent against Gram-negative organisms and staphylococci. The pharmacokinetic profile of enoxacin is similar to that of ofloxacin, achieving higher plasma and tissue concentrations and possessing a longer half-life than norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin. In comparative studies, clinical and/or bacteriological efficacy was comparable or (in studies which statistically analysed the results) not significantly different between enoxacin and amoxycillin in acute cystitis, acute Gram-negative exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute or chronic otitis media, between enoxacin and cephalexin in skin, skin structure and soft tissue infections, between enoxacin and trimethoprim in acute cystitis, between enoxacin and co-trimoxazole in complicated urinary tract infection and between enoxacin and pipemidic acid in suppurative otitis media. Significantly (p less than 0.01) more clinical and/or bacteriological cures were effected by enoxacin than pipemidic acid in acute cystitis and complicated urinary tract infection. In uncomplicated gonococcal infections single oral doses of enoxacin were effective in over 90% of patients. Enoxacin is a well-tolerated, orally active broad spectrum antibacterial drug which should prove a worthwhile alternative to currently available antibacterial therapy.