Fluoroquinolones

What is Fluoroquinolones for?

Fluoroquinolones belong to a class of antibiotic, and is used to treat infections.

How should I take or use Fluoroquinolones?

Fluoroquinolones are prescribed by the doctor to treat infections. They are usually taken either once or twice a day.

Fluoroquinolones can be taken with or without food. Fluoroquinolones should be spaced at least 2 hours apart from antacids, calcium and iron-containing medications or food to avoid impairing the absorption of the medication.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Fluoroquinolones?

If you miss the dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the next timing that you are supposed to take your next dose, skip the previous dose and take the next dose at your usual timing. Do not take double the dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Fluoroquinolones?

Inform your health care professional if you have history of epilepsy or conditions that predispose to seizures or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency before starting the medication.

What are some common side effects of Fluoroquinolones?

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, drowsiness. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive or operate any machinery.
• Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. It is advisable to take the medication after food if you experience such side effects.
• Your skin may also become more sensitive to sunlight or UV (ultraviolet light) while taking fluoroquinolones. Avoid exposure to strong sunlight (tanning) or artificial UV lights such as sunbed.

There are some potentially serious, but less common side effects that may be experienced. Seek medical advice immediately, even though you are no longer taking the drug if the side effects below occur.

• Peripheral neuropathy typically presented as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness or a change in sensation to light touch, pain or temperature. The onset of peripheral neuropathy after starting fluoroquinolones therapy is usually rapid and may persist for a few days.
• Pain and swelling in the joints and tendinitis. The pain may present as early as the first 48 hours of taking the treatment or up to several months after end of treatment. At first sign of any pain and inflammation of joints, stop taking and rest the painful area.
• Eyesight changes e.g. blur vision, sensation of flashing light, appearance of floaters.
• Behavioural changes e.g. agitation, nervousness, disorientation, disturbances in attention, memory impairment and delirium.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), particularly in the elderly or those on diabetic medications, which may present as unusual hunger, weakness , sweating or trembling.

Stop the medication immediately if you experience any severe allergic reactions like skin rash, swelling of the eyes and lips or difficulty breathing.

How should I store Fluoroquinolones?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature

What else should I know about Fluoroquinolones?

Click here for more information on Fluoroquinolones used as Antibiotics.