Sketchy Pharm: Fluoroquinolones

Question 1

Fluoroquinolones are mainly effective against ______________.

Answer 1

Gram-negative bacteria, though they have some Gram-positive coverage

(Think of the mostly red flowers with some purple ones thrown in.)

Question 2

What is the mechanism of fluoroquinolones?

Answer 2

They inhibit bacterial DNA topoisomerase.

Think of the unbraiding hair of Mona Lisa.

Question 3

Fluoroquinolones are often used for _________________.

Answer 3

complicated UTIs (Bactrim is first-line in uncomplicated UTIs)

(Think of the bladder glass held up by Mona Lisa. The bladder symbolizes UTIs, and Mona symbolizes Pseudomonas – being a common nosocomial infection.)

Question 4

Fluoroquinolones are also used to treat ________________.

Answer 4

pyelonephritis and acute prostatitis (think of the Viking drinking the milky substance from the kidney-shaped flask while a prankster slips a tulip bulb in his pants)

Question 5

What infections are symbolized on the table?

Answer 5

Fluoroquinolones can treat Gram-negative enteric bacteria such as Salmonella (represented by the salmon and the intestines), Shigella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. The fish has bones exposed, which represents how ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin can treat Salmonella osteomyelitis in those with sickle cell disease.

Question 6

What are the respiratory fluoroquinolones?

Answer 6

Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin

Question 7

Moxifloxacin and levofloxacin are great at treating ________________.

Answer 7

walking pneumonia (atypical Mycoplasma represented by the snowshoer), Streptococcal pneumonia (represented by the rusty chest plate), and Legionnaire’s disease (the legion of ships arriving in the harbor)

Question 8

Like tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones should not be taken __________________.

Answer 8

with cations such as antacids, ferrous sulfate, or magnesium

Think of the metals stand.

Question 9

What are the adverse effects of fluoroquinolones?

Answer 9

Torsades (tug of war)
GI upset (guy vomiting at table)
Tendonitis and cartilage damage (old king chewing on tendon)
Teratogen (pregnant queen with tarantula symbol)

Question 10

Three populations should not take fluoroquinolones: __________________.

Answer 10

those taking steroids (greater risk of tendon damage), children (impaired cartilage growth), and pregnant women (teratogen)