Fluoroquinolones and
Drug-Drug Interactions
If ciprofloxacin, a member of the fluoroquinolones family, is prescribed,
then it should be given two hours before the patient is given antacids, fer-
roussulfate, or sucralfate because these medications lower the absorption of
ciprofloxacin.
Patients who are taking theophylline or other xanthines with fluoro-
quinolones should be aware that the theophylline plasma levels can rise lead-
ing to toxicity.
If the patient takes fluoroquinolones while also taking warfarin, the anticoag-
ulant effect of warfarin increases and could result in bleeding. The prothrombin
time (PT) should be monitored if both are administered together.Fluoroquinolones,
Nursing Diagnosis, and
Collaborative Problems
Patients who receive fluoroquinolones may also experience rash, fever, dyspnea,
nephritis, blood in the urine, lower back pain, rash, edema, and photosensitivity
(increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight). In addition they might have CNS tox-
icity (dizziness, headache, insomnia).
Here are the common nursing diagnoses that are the related to a patient who
is receiving fluoroquinolones.- Fluid volume deficit related to anorexia, nausea and vomiting
- Altered comfort related to arthralgia (joint discomfort and stiffness)
- Impaired tissue integrity related to phlebitis (IV cipro and ofloxacin only)
- Altered bowel elimination (diarrhea)
- Altered thought processes related to CNS stimulation (confusion,
hallucinations)
(^238) CHAPTER 13 Antimicrobials—Fighting Infection