PEBC: What You Need to Know: Fluoroquinolones

Examples: levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin

Indications: pneumonia (not norfloxacin), urinary tract infection (not moxifloxacin - does not concentrate in urine), skin infections, gut infections

-usually reserved as 2nd line because of resistance issues

Dosing:

Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin: once daily

Norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin: twice daily

*Norfloxacin is taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.

Adverse Effects:

-tendon rupture

-bone, muscle and teeth issues in kids (no longer contraindicated in kids under 18 years old, but only use as last-line)

-photosensitivity

-affect glucose levels

-C.difficile infection

-peripheral neuropathy

-increased liver function tests

-mental status changes

Drug Interactions:

-space apart from antacids, iron and calcium by at least 2 hours

-QT prolongation

-ciprofloxacin is a CYP1A2 and 3A4 inhibitor