Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are used to treat a variety of infections.
Fluoroquinolones include the following:
Fluoroquinolones can be taken by mouth, and some can be given intravenously or as eye drops.
Fluoroquinolones work by interfering with DNA inside bacteria, resulting in death of the bacteria.
Fluoroquinolones
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Drug |
Common Uses |
Some Side Effects |
|
Ciprofloxacin Delafloxacin Gatifloxacin (eye infections only) Gemifloxacin Levofloxacin Moxifloxacin Norfloxacin Ofloxacin |
Bacterial infection of the prostate (prostatitis) Diarrhea due to certain bacteria |
Gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea* Nausea Nervousness, tremors, and seizures Inflammation or rupture of tendons Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) Skin problems triggered by sunlight (photosensitivity reactions) |
|
* Almost any antibiotic can cause Clostridioides difficile–induced diarrhea and inflammation of the colon (colitis), but clindamycin, penicillins, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones are the most common causes. |
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Doctors avoid using fluoroquinolones in people who are more likely to develop a serious abnormal heart rhythm (such as people who have a long QT interval or a very slow heart rate, who take drugs that cause a long QT interval or a very slow heart rate, or who have a low blood level of potassium or a low blood level of magnesium).
(See also Overview of Antibiotics.)
Use of Fluoroquinolones During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use of fluoroquinolones during pregnancy is not recommended, but sometimes the benefits of treatment may outweigh the risks. (See also Drug Use During Pregnancy.)
Use of fluoroquinolones during breastfeeding is not recommended. (See also Drug Use During Breastfeeding.)
