Editing Infections: Antibiotics (section)

===Fluoroquinolones===
*'''Broad spectrum of activity'''
**'''Highly effective against Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa'''
**'''Activity is also high against S. aureus and S. saprophyticus, but, in general, anti-streptococcal coverage is marginal'''
**'''Modest activity against enterococcus'''
*'''Most anaerobic bacteria are resistant to these drugs; therefore, the normal vaginal and bowel flora are not altered'''
*'''Increasing rates of resistance due to indiscriminate use of these agents'''
*Not nephrotoxic, but renal insufficiency prolongs the serum half-life, '''requires dose adjustment in patients with creatinine clearances of <30 mL/min.'''
*'''<span style="color:#ff0000">Contraindicated in children, adolescents, and pregnant or nursing women due to concerns of damage to developing cartilage'''
*'''Drug interactions''':
**'''Rare increases in the anticoagulant effects of warfarin when taken with fluoroquinolones'''.
**'''Concomitant antacid''' (containing magnesium or aluminum)''', iron, zinc, or sucralfate use dramatically decreases oral absorption'''
**Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum interfere with absorption of fluoroquinolones.
**Certain fluoroquinolones (enoxacin and ciprofloxacin) elevate plasma levels of theophylline and prolong its half-life
**'''Avoid with other drugs that prolong QT interval, such as amiodarone'''