Antibiotics: Quinolones

Question 1

What are the examples of quinolones?

Answer 1

Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin

Question 2

What is the mechanism of quinolones?

Answer 2

Direct inhibitors DNA synthesis (block DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV)

Question 3

What is the spectrum of quinolones?

Answer 3

• GNR: Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa , Haemophilus spp., Legionella spp., Mycoplasma spp., Chlamydophila spp.
• GNC: Moraxella catarrhalis
• GPC: Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp.
• Anaerobes

Question 4

What are the indications of quinolones?

Answer 4

• UTI, prostatitis , intra abdominal infections (ciprofloxacin)
• COPD exacerbation, pneumonia (levofloxacin)
• Mycobacteria M. tuberculosis (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin)

Question 5

What are the adverse effects of quinolones?

Answer 5

• GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
• Risk factor for C. difficile colitis
• QT prolongation
• CNS: headache, dizziness
• Potential effect on cartilage not recommended in children <18 years and pregnancy