Fluoroquinolone SnapShot-General Info About This Class
EXAMPLES:
Levofloxacin (newer)
Ciprofloxacin (older)
Moxifloxacin (newer)
Ofloxacin (older)
INDICATIONS:
Certain suspected or confirmed bacterial pneumonia & other respiratory infections
Certain suspected or confirmed bacterial GI infections
Certain suspected or confirmed bacterial eye infections (in ophthalmic form)
Bacterial sinus infections
Urinary tract infections & pyelonephritis
There are many other uses for this class as it treats a variety of bacterial infections
SPECIFIC BACTERIAL COVERAGE
Haemophilus influenza
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (copra specifically)
Methicillin-sensitive staphylococci
Chlamydia
For a more in depth list – check out Merck manual
POTENTIAL SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTION: (2)
Tendon rupture (black box warning)
Possible permanent peripheral neuropathy
Seizures potential (lowers threshold)
C-diff
QT prolongation
Nephrotoxicity
Hepatotoxicity
Myasthenia graves exacerbation
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea
Insomnia
Headache
CONTRA/CAUTION:
Myasthenia gravis
Renal dysfunction (dosing adjustments will need to be made)
CNS dysfunction disorders
NOTES:
” NSAIDs may enhance the CNS stimulatory effects of fluoroquinolone.” Increases the risk for seizures. “>(1)
REFERENCES:
1. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/bacteria-and-antibacterial-drugs/fluoroquinolones
2. https://online.epocrates.com/drugs/861/Levaquin
Med-Made-Ez 