Fluoroquinolones
- Broad oral/IV DNA-gyrase inhibitors
- Excellent tissue penetration
- Useful for selected UTI, GI + respiratory disease
- Tendon rupture, neuropathy + CNS toxicity
- QT prolongation varies by agent
- Dysglycemia + aortic warnings matter
- Avoid when safer effective alternatives exist
Class at a glance
- Broad oral/IV DNA-gyrase inhibitors
Safety / monitoring
- QT prolongation varies by agent
Clinical role
- Excellent tissue penetration
- Useful for selected UTI, GI + respiratory disease
Safety distinctions
- Tendon rupture, neuropathy + CNS toxicity
- Dysglycemia + aortic warnings matter
- Avoid when safer effective alternatives exist
Pearls
- Avoid for uncomplicated sinusitis, bronchitis, cystitis
- MRSA often resistant; E. coli resistance rising
Self-check
- When are Fluoroquinolones especially useful?
Selected UTI, GI + respiratory disease. - When should fluoroquinolones be avoided?
When safer effective alternatives exist.
Drugs in this class (5)
Fluoroquinolones prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Quinolone antibacterials (1964–2026). Fluoroquinolones highlighted from 1986.
All drug classes · Open Fluoroquinolones in the interactive console ↗