Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics that kill bacteria by blocking the enzymes bacteria need to copy their DNA. They are used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as some urinary, chest and skin infections. Examples include ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin. Because they can rarely cause disabling, long-lasting side effects, regulators in Europe, the UK and the US advise using them only when other commonly recommended antibiotics are not suitable.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Fluoroquinolone antibiotics work?
Fluoroquinolones block two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which bacteria need to copy and untangle their DNA when they divide. With these enzymes blocked, the bacterial DNA breaks and the bacteria die. They have no effect on viruses.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Fluoroquinolone antibiotics. They are listed A to Z.
- Ofloxacin: Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections.
Common questions
What are the serious side effects of fluoroquinolones?
Rarely, they can damage tendons (sometimes causing a tear), nerves (numbness, tingling or burning pain) and muscles and joints, and cause mental health effects such as anxiety, confusion, depression or memory problems. They can also make blood sugar go too low or too high. Some effects may be long-lasting. Stop and contact your doctor straight away if these appear.
Who is at higher risk of tendon damage from fluoroquinolones?
The risk is higher in people over 60, people taking steroid medicines such as prednisolone, people with kidney disease, and people who have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant. Tendon problems can start within 48 hours of the first dose or even months after stopping. The Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle is most often affected.
Can fluoroquinolones be taken with antacids or iron tablets?
Not at the same time. Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc and other mineral supplements can bind to fluoroquinolones in the gut and stop them from being absorbed. For ofloxacin, the label advises a gap of at least 2 hours before or after these products. Ask your pharmacist about the gap for your medicine.
Sources
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
- Quinolone- and fluoroquinolone-containing medicinal products (referral). European Medicines Agency
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: must now only be prescribed when other commonly recommended antibiotics are inappropriate (Drug Safety Update, 22 January 2024). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), UK
- Ofloxacin tablets: prescribing information (Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, revised 3/2023). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Ofloxacin. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
- Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification index: J01MA Fluoroquinolones. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology