monia, urinary tract infection, and many others diseases. However, fluoro-
quinolones should not be prescribed for infants or children.
Make sure that the patient doesn’t have an allergic reaction to any fluoro-
quinolone. If they are allergic to one drug within the fluoroquinolone family,
then they are highly likely to be allergic to other fluoroquinolone medications.
Patients who take fluoroquinolones can, in rare cases, experience dizziness,
drowsiness, restlessness, stomach distress, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, psy-
chosis, confusion, hallucinations, tremors, hypersensitivity, and interstitial
nephritis (kidney).
The dose of fluoroquinolones should be lowered in patients with hepatic
(liver) or renal (kidney) problems. Carefully monitor the serum level of fluo-
roquinolones for patients who have CNS disorders such as cerebral arteriosclero-
sis (hardening of the arteries in the brain), epilepsy (seizures), or alcoholism
because they are at risk for CNS toxicity.
Administer fluoroquinolones with a full glass of water to minimize the pos-
sibility of crystalluria. Fluoroquinolones should be infused slowly. Ofloxacin,
a member of the fluoroquinolones family, must be infused into a large vein over
60 minutes to minimize discomfort and venous irritation.
After administering fluoroquinolones, monitor the patient’s urinary output.
The patient should void at least 1200 to 1500 mL daily. Also monitor the pH of
the urine; it should remain at 7.0 or less.
The patient should be provided with the same instructions as those given to a
patient who is receiving penicillin (see Penicillin and Patient Education). Tell the
patient to report blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light, dizziness, light-
headedness, or depression. These are signs of CNS toxicity.
If fluoroquinolones are self administered, tell the patient to avoid taking the
drug within two hours of taking an antacid. The patient should also avoid expo-
sure to sunlight and sunlamps. The patient must wear sunglasses and avoid
bright lights.
CHAPTER 13 Antimicrobials—Fighting Infection^237
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
Pregnancy Category: C
Route Dose Time
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
Protein-Binding: 50%–60%
Half-Life: 4 hours
PO/IV 12.5 mg/kg Every 6 hours