Quinolones are easy to identify because they end in -floxacin.
Examples:
- Norfloxacin (Noroxin) – p.o.
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) – p.o., inj.
- Ofloxacin (Oflox) – p.o.
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin) – p.o., inj.
- Moxifloxacin (Avelox) – p.o., inj
They are broad spectrum antibiotics useful for UTI and respiratory infections. Minerals will block absorption of the quinolones. They are not to be given to children because it affects the growth of tendons. It can also happen in an adult. Quinolones are considered the non-thinking antibiotic for physicians. It’s one of the relatively newer drugs but bacteria acquired resistance to it very quickly because the doctors used it all the time.
Our govt buys ciprofloxacin and puts it in reserve storage for the public in case of an anthrax breakout. Unfortunately the first batch of cipro they have bought has passed the expiration date and they need to reup!
Recap
- Broad spectrum
- Minerals block absorption
- Affects tendon growth in children
- Increasing rate of resistance
- Use
- UTI
- Respiratory Infection
