Sarafloxacin hydrochloride
[CAS# 91296-87-6]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Synthetic anti-infective drugs >> Quinolone
• Name: Sarafloxacin hydrochloride
• Synonyms: 6-Fluoro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-oxo-7-piperazin-1-ylquinoline-3-carboxylic acid hydrochloride
• Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₁₇F₂N₃O₃^.HCl
• Molecular Weight: 421.82
• CAS Registry Number: 91296-87-6
• SMILES: C1CN(CCN1)C2=C(C=C3C(=C2)N(C=C(C3=O)C(=O)O)C4=CC=C(C=C4)F)F.Cl

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Discovory and Applicatios

Sarafloxacin hydrochloride is a synthetic antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class, developed primarily for veterinary use. It was introduced to the market in the early 1990s as part of the ongoing effort to expand the range of fluoroquinolones available for treating bacterial infections, especially in livestock and poultry. Sarafloxacin hydrochloride is known for its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, making it effective against a variety of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

The discovery of sarafloxacin hydrochloride was driven by the need for more effective antibiotics in the agricultural industry. At the time, bacterial infections in animals were a significant concern, not only for animal health and welfare but also for the economic impact on livestock production. The addition of a fluorine atom to the quinolone structure in sarafloxacin enhanced its antibacterial properties, giving it improved efficacy compared to earlier quinolones.

Sarafloxacin hydrochloride functions by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes that are crucial for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair. By disrupting these processes, sarafloxacin prevents bacteria from multiplying, leading to their eventual death. This mechanism of action makes it effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, particularly those that are problematic in poultry and other livestock.

In veterinary medicine, sarafloxacin hydrochloride is primarily used to treat respiratory diseases, enteric infections, and septicemia in poultry. It has been particularly valuable in the poultry industry for controlling infections caused by Escherichia coli and other bacteria that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in flocks. Sarafloxacin's effectiveness in treating these infections has contributed to its widespread use in commercial poultry farming.

Sarafloxacin hydrochloride is typically administered through the drinking water of poultry, which allows for easy and efficient delivery to large groups of animals. This method of administration ensures that all animals in a flock receive the antibiotic, helping to control outbreaks of disease. The drug is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring that effective concentrations are reached in the bloodstream to combat infections.

However, the use of sarafloxacin hydrochloride has also raised concerns about the development of antibiotic resistance, particularly in the context of its use in food-producing animals. Over time, bacteria can develop resistance to fluoroquinolones through various mechanisms, including mutations in the genes encoding DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV or by increasing the activity of efflux pumps that remove the drug from bacterial cells. The potential for resistance has led to increased scrutiny and regulation of sarafloxacin use, particularly in countries with strict policies on antibiotic use in agriculture.

In light of these concerns, the use of sarafloxacin hydrochloride has been carefully regulated, with some countries banning or severely restricting its use in food-producing animals. This is part of a broader effort to manage the risk of antibiotic resistance, which can have significant public health implications if resistant bacteria are transmitted to humans through the food chain.

Despite these challenges, sarafloxacin hydrochloride remains an important tool in veterinary medicine, particularly in settings where its use is carefully managed to minimize the risk of resistance. It continues to be valued for its effectiveness in treating bacterial infections in poultry, contributing to the health and productivity of commercial flocks.