- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Name stem
- -floxacin
- Drug cards
- 1 in this guide
Drugs in this class
Other examples: Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Ofloxacin.
How fluoroquinolones work
Inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
Uses
- Complicated urinary tract infections
- Pneumonia (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin)
- Some GI and bone infections
- Anthrax and plague
Adverse effects
- Tendinitis and tendon rupture
- Peripheral neuropathy
- CNS effects: confusion, seizures
- QT prolongation
- Blood glucose swings
- Photosensitivity
- C. difficile
Nursing considerations
- Use caution in older adults, with corticosteroids and in transplant recipients.
- Avoid in myasthenia gravis.
- Separate from antacids, calcium, iron and zinc.
Patient teaching
- Stop the drug and call if tendon pain develops.
- Drink plenty of fluids and use sunscreen.
- Report numbness, tingling or confusion.
Fluoroquinolones NCLEX practice questions
Answer each question to see the rationale.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A 70-year-old patient taking levofloxacin and prednisone reports heel pain. What does the nurse suspect?
Show answer
Answer A: Achilles tendinitis or rupture Fluoroquinolones increase the risk of tendon rupture, especially in older adults and with corticosteroids.
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How should ciprofloxacin be timed with an antacid?
Show answer
Answer C: Take ciprofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after the antacid Magnesium, aluminum and calcium bind ciprofloxacin and reduce absorption.
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Which suffix identifies a fluoroquinolone?
Show answer
Answer D: -floxacin Fluoroquinolones end in -floxacin.
Frequently asked questions
What are fluoroquinolones?
Fluoroquinolones (the -floxacin drugs) are broad-spectrum antibiotics with boxed warnings for tendon rupture, neuropathy and CNS effects. They bind minerals, so timing with antacids matters.
How do fluoroquinolones work?
Inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
What are examples of fluoroquinolones?
Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin and Ofloxacin.
What are the nursing considerations for fluoroquinolones?
Use caution in older adults, with corticosteroids and in transplant recipients. Avoid in myasthenia gravis.