Quinacrine (atebrin): mode of action

Quinacrine at a concentration of 8 x 10(-4) mole per liter is bactericidal for Escherichia coli, blocks DNA synthesis, and inhibits the syntheses of RNA and protein strongly. At a concentration of 2x 10(-4) mole per liter, the drug is bacteriostatic, the syntheses of protein and DNA (but not that of RNA) are partially inhibited, and the bacteria grow into giant filaments. Impairment of DNA replication is proposed as the mode of action of quinacrine.