Question

The nurse has attended a staff education conference about fluoroquinolones. Follow upis required if the nurse states that fluoroquinolones

1. are available in oral intravenous forms

2. cause elevation of liver enzymes

3.are narrow spectrum agents

4.cause photosenstivity

Answer 1

Fluoroquinolones are class of broad spectrum antibiotics that are used to treat and prevent various bacterial infections.

A. The Fluoroquinolones have excellent oral bioavailability with other serum drug conentrations which is equivalent to IV administration.

B. Fluoroquinolones have been associated with liver injuries. Most commonly linked are ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.  Fluoroquinolones induced hepatotoxicity manifested as hepatitis, liver injury or hepatic failure. Increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphate were noted. Theses drugs are generally well tolerated but some may have hepatotoxic potential.

C. Fluoroquinolones are broad spectrum agents. they are effective against both gram positive an gram negative organisams.

D. Fluoroquinolones have also been associated with drug indiced photosensitivity related to redness (Erythema) of the sun exposed skin. Drugs such as clinafloxacin, sparfloxacin wih C8 fluorine and chlorine substituent exhibit greater incidences of the phototoxic reaction with the substitunts when compared to without substituents.