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A fluoroquinolone is a type of antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. These medicines kill susceptible bacteria by interfering with enzymes needed to copy and repair bacterial DNA. Examples include ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, and delafloxacin. Fluoroquinolones do not treat viral infections such as colds or influenza.
read more about fluoroquinolone ...Fluoroquinolones can treat selected urinary tract, kidney, prostate, respiratory, skin, bone, joint, and gastrointestinal infections. Some are also used for anthrax exposure, plague, or infections caused by resistant gram-negative bacteria. Each drug has a different antibacterial spectrum and does not work for every infection. Clinicians consider culture results, resistance patterns, allergy history, infection severity, and safer alternatives before prescribing one.
Fluoroquinolones block bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Bacteria need these enzymes to copy, separate, and repair their DNA during growth. Blocking them causes DNA damage and leads to bacterial death. Resistance can develop through changes in these enzymes, reduced drug entry, active drug removal, or transferable resistance genes.
Fluoroquinolones are available as tablets, liquid medicines, injections, eye drops, and ear drops. Oral doses should be taken exactly as directed and separated from antacids or supplements containing aluminum, magnesium, iron, calcium, or zinc when instructed. These minerals can bind to the antibiotic and reduce absorption. The treatment course and dose depend on the infection, kidney function, age, and specific medicine.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Fluoroquinolones can also cause serious tendon injury, peripheral nerve damage, central nervous system effects, abnormal blood sugar, heart rhythm changes, and severe allergic reactions. Some risks can begin soon after treatment and can persist after the medicine is stopped. Patients should seek prompt medical advice for tendon pain, numbness, weakness, severe confusion, fainting, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Many fluoroquinolones act against a broad range of bacteria, but their coverage differs by drug. A broad spectrum does not mean that they are the best choice for every bacterial infection.
Serious and potentially disabling adverse effects can outweigh the benefits when safer antibiotics can treat an uncomplicated infection. Prescribers compare these risks with the severity of the infection and the available alternatives.
Calcium can reduce the absorption of some oral fluoroquinolones when the medicine is taken with dairy products alone or with calcium supplements. Patients should follow the timing instructions on the prescription label or ask a pharmacist.
Yes. Tendinitis and tendon rupture are recognized risks, particularly in older adults, transplant recipients, people with kidney disease, and patients taking systemic corticosteroids. Tendon pain or swelling requires prompt medical advice and avoidance of strenuous activity.
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