Quinolones Flashcards
What are the indications for ciprofloxacin
Resp and GI infections, UTI, Gonorrhoea
What are the indications for Levofloxacin
Skin infections, UTI and pneumonia
What are the indications for Ofloxacin
Pelvic inflammatory disease, septicaemia and UTI
What is the mode of action
Inhibition of bacterial DNA synthesis
Bactericidal
What bacteria does it have activity against
+ve: Steptococcus pneumoniae and enterococcus faecalis
-ve: salmonella, shingella, campylobacter neisseria and pseudomonas
What are the cautions and contraindications?
History of tendon damage associated with quinolones
Reduces seizure threshold so epileptics
Tendon damage more likely in over 60 or on a corticosteroid too
Fluroquinolones can cause arthropathy in children and adolecents so not recommended
What are the three main interactions with quinolones
NSAIDS: seizure risk
Warfarin: bleeding
steroids: tendon damage
What are the adverse effects of quinolones
QT interval prolongation
Tendon rupture can occur within 48 hours of administration
What should you do if you get signs of tendon rupture
Discontinue and contact GP immediately
What is patient and carer advice you should tell patients about
Norfloxacin should be taken on an empty stomach
Risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection
What are the three MHRA warnings:
Tendon damage
Arthropathy in children
Aortic aneurysm
Can you give quinolones in pregnancy?
No because of the risk of arthropathy
What must you avoid in your diet if you are taking ciprofloxacin?
milk and diary products
Can you use quinolones in MRSA infections?
no because most staphylococci are resistant to them
