Fluorine in medicine

Abstract

Fluoride has long been known to influence the activity of various enzymes in vitro. Latterly it has been demonstrated that many effects primarily attributed to fluoride are caused by a synergistic action of fluoride plus aluminum. Fluorinated chemicals are of growing importance, with applications in medicine. Fluorine substitution has profound effects on the properties of organic compounds. The very high electronegativity of fluorine can modify electron distribution in the molecule, affecting its absorption, distribution and metabolism. Fluorine-containing drugs are used in medicine as anesthetics, antibiotics, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents, psychopharmaceuticals, and in many other applications. The potential contribution of fluorinating pharmaceuticals to human fluoride exposure is discussed.