Quick Fire Test: Fluoroquinolones

Question #12 answer

Why are levofloxacin and moxifloxacin sometimes referred to as “respiratory fluoroquinolones”?

A. They penetrate the lungs better than other fluoroquinolones
B. They have good coverage versus Streptococcus pneumoniae
C. They are frequently given via inhalation
D. They are the only fluoroquinolones that can be used for pneumonia

NOTE: It is common for people to assume levofloxacin and moxifloxacin are respiratory FQs because they penetrate the lung better than other FQs. That is not the case. Ciprofloxacin has great lung penetration, but it has relatively poor coverage for Streptococcus pneumoniae (a common cause of community acquired pneumonia) and so ciprofloxacin is not a respiratory FQ.

PREVIOUS // NEXT