This CE activity was originally published in The Rx Consultant. If you received credit for it previously, you cannot receive credit for it again.
Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibiotics that have been used to treat infections of varying types and severity since the 1980s. They are well-tolerated by most patients; however, a growing body of evidence has linked fluoroquinolone use to rare but disabling, and potentially permanent, side effects involving tendons, peripheral nerves, and the central nervous system (CNS). Cardiac, gastrointestinal (GI), metabolic (glucose), and ocular side effects, as well as allergic reactions, have also been reported. In May 2016, the FDA determined that the risks of fluoroquinolone use for certain uncomplicated infections are generally greater than the benefits when other treatment options are available.
Subsequently, the labels of all systemic (oral and injectable) fluoroquinolones were updated with strengthened warnings, including a revised boxed warning. The revisions include "limitation of use" statements advising that, in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), fluoroquinolones should be reserved for patients who have no other options.
This issue reviews uncommon but serious side effects of systemic fluoroquinolones. Dosing considerations, use in children and during pregnancy, and potential drug interactions are also discussed...
Fee
CE Hours
CE Units
Activity Type
- Knowledge
Target Audience(s)
- Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Registered Nurses
Accreditation(s)
CE activities for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians:
This continuing education (CE) activity meets the requirements of all state boards of pharmacy for approved continuing education hours. CE credit is automatically reported to CPE Monitor.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for formally approved continuing education (CE) hours, and CE hours of pharmacotherapeutics.
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) for acceptable, accredited CE.
- The ANCC requires all advanced practice nursing certificants (CNSs and NPs) to complete 25 CE hours of pharmacotherapeutics as a portion of the required 75 continuing education hours.
- Pharmacology CE is recommended by the AANPCP and will be required for Certificants renewing certification starting January 2017.
- Most State Boards of Nursing require a minimum number of pharmacy contact hours to renew an advanced practice license.
Requirements for CE Credit
Objectives
- Describe the spectrum of activity of fluoroquinolones and discuss dosing considerations. List 3 types of infections for which fluoroquinolones may be indicated, and 3 types for which their use should usually be avoided.
- Discuss serious side effects of fluoroquinolones, including: tendon damage, peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects, cardiac arrhythmias, gastrointestinal side effects, blood glucose abnormalities, ocular toxicity, and skin/allergic reactions. Discuss the use of fluoroquinolones in children and adolescents, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Counsel patients with new fluoroquinolone prescriptions about proper administration, common side effects, drug interactions, and serious side effects for which they should contact their prescriber.
Speaker(s)/Author(s)
|
Cherie Dillon, PharmD Brief Bio : Cherie Dillon, PharmD; Director of Drug Information, Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care Services; and Associate Editor, The Rx Consultant. Disclosure : Dr. Dillon reports no financial relationship with the manufacturer(s) or provider(s) of any commercial product(s) or service(s) that appear in this issue. |
|
|
Pamela Mausner, MD Brief Bio : Pamela Mausner, MD; Medical Writer/Editor and Healthcare Advocate; and Associate Editor, The Rx Consultant. Disclosure : Dr.Mausner reports no financial relationship with the manufacturer(s) or provider(s) of any commercial product(s) or service(s) that appear in this issue. |
|
|
Tracy Farnen, PharmD Brief Bio : Tracy Farnen, PharmD; Managing Editor, The Rx Consultant. Disclosure : Dr. Farnen reports no financial relationship with the manufacturer(s) or provider(s) of any commercial product(s) or service(s) that appear in this issue. |
Activity Number
0428-0000-17-012-H01-P