Q07. How do fluoroquinolones provide prophylaxis for neutropenic patients? 

Summary: Patients undergoing chemotherapy are at risk of developing febrile neutropenia and subsequent complications. In order to avoid the development of such complications, antibiotics can be administered prophylactically to these patients either at the end of their chemotherapy or as soon as the neutrophil count starts to decrease. Such preventative treatment has been confirmed to reduce the development of infections and therefore reduce morbidity and mortality. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis is particularly useful in high-risk febrile neutropenic patients who have received intensive chemotherapy.