Final answer:
The FDA black box warning outlines both inappropriate and appropriate uses for fluoroquinolones, which are synthetic antimicrobials that inhibit DNA gyrase. They are effective against gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria. However, they can have side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The FDA black box warning outlines both inappropriate and appropriate uses for fluoroquinolones. Fluoroquinolones are a class of synthetic antimicrobials that inhibit the activity of DNA gyrase, preventing DNA replication. They are most effective against gram-negative bacteria, but later generation drugs are also effective against some gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria.
Some examples of inappropriate uses of fluoroquinolones include EIEC and EHEC infections, for which they are not recommended. On the other hand, fluoroquinolones like levofloxacin can be appropriate for treating respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. It is important to note that fluoroquinolones can have side effects such as phototoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, glucose metabolism dysfunction, and an increased risk for tendon rupture.