Quinolones

Question 1

Give 3 quinolones

Answer 1

• Ciprofloxacin
• Levofloxacin
• Ofloxacin

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of quinolones?

Answer 2

Inhibits bacterial synthesis at an early stage by preventing supercoiling of the DNA double helix

Question 3

Are quinolones broad or narrow spectrum?

Answer 3

Narrow

Question 4

What are quinolones effective against?

Answer 4

Gram -ve bacteria and some gram +ve bacteria

Question 5

What are the routes of delivery of quinolones?

Answer 5

PO
IV
Topical, including ear/eye drops

Question 6

What are the indications for quinolones?

Answer 6

• UTIs and prostatitis
• Respiratory tract infections
• GI infections
• Ear infections

Question 7

Who are quinolones contraindicated in?

Answer 7

• Children and adolescents
• Epilepsy and patients at high risk of seizures
• Patients with a history of tendon disorders related to quinolone

Question 8

Why are quinolones contraindicated in children and adolescents?

Answer 8

Due to risk of causing arthropathy

Question 9

What should be monitored with quinolones?

Answer 9

• WCC
• CRP
• Patients clinical state

Question 10

Why should WCC, CRP, and patients clinical state be monitored with quinolones?

Answer 10

To look for signs of improvement

Question 11

What are the common side effects of quinolones?

Answer 11

• GI disturbance
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Night-time vision impairment

Question 12

What are the less common side effects of quinolones?

Answer 12

• Rashes
• Tendon damage or rupture
• Arthropathy

Question 13

Who are the less common side effects of quinolones more common in?

Answer 13

• Over 60

- Taking corticosteroids

Question 14

What are the rare side effects of quinolones?

Answer 14

Convulsions

Question 15

What patient counselling is required with quinolones?

Answer 15

• Complete antibiotic course
• How to take
• Risk of convulsions
• Tendon problems
• Driving

Question 16

What should the patient be told about how to take quinolones?

Answer 16

Maintain adequate fluid intake and do not take antacids at the same time as taking the drug

Question 17

What should the patient be told about risk of convulsions with quinolones?

Answer 17

Inform patient about risk of convulsions, and encourage them to inform those close to them about this risk, as other people may be required to seek medical help if the patient was to have a seizure

Question 18

What should the patient be told about tendon problems with quinolones?

Answer 18

Useful to inform patient about risk of tendon damage or rupture, particularly those heavily involved in sports. Patients should stop taking quinolones immediately if signs of tendinitis develop. Patients over the age of 60 are more prone to tendon damage, as well as those who take steroids concomitantly

Question 19

What should the patient be told about driving with quinolones?

Answer 19

Quinolone use may impair performance of normal activities such as driving