Pharmacy
What are Fluoroquinolones?
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are a group of medicines that can treat serious bacterial infections. They are chosen when others are unsuitable, such as if a patient has a true penicillin allergy. They should be used for the shortest effective duration.
Serious side effects that you need to know:
Joint & movement disorders:
- Tendon pain and, or swelling, often starting in the ankle or calf * (rest the painful area until you see your doctor)
- Pain and, or swelling in your shoulders, arm or leg.
- Unusual sensations (including pins and needles that do not go away, tingling, pricking, numbness, burning) or weakness in your body.
Changes in mood and, or behaviour:
- New or worsening depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion or problems with memory.
- Severe tiredness or problems with sleep.
If any of the above happen, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor or seek medical advice immediately.
* Tendon disorders have been reported within 48 hours of starting the course and up to several months after stopping.
Who is most at risk?
You are more at risk if you are over 60 years old, you have impaired kidney function or have received an organ transplant. If you are taking certain medicines such as corticosteroids (steroids), for example prednisolone and, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, Ibuprofen.
Other important side effects:
- Persistent loose bowel movements (diarrhoea) or there may be blood and, or mucus present after going to the toilet.
- Chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, severe stomach or back pain.
- Risk of seizures in patients with or without a history of seizure.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
How common are these side effects?
Currently, there is not enough data available to know exactly how often these side effects occur. However, they appear to occur at least as often as between 1 in 10 people in every 10,000 who take a fluoroquinolone.
Reporting side effects associated with fluoroquinolones
Please report any side effects to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via the Yellow Card Scheme. Reports are confidential and help to improve the safety of medicines. Report side effects on the website (visit https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or search for Yellow Card scheme online).
Are you truly allergic to penicillin?
About 9 in 10 people recorded as having a penicillin allergy are not truly allergic. Scan the QR code or follow the link to get more information on penicillin allergy testing: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/resources/do-i-have-a-penicillin-allergy/
Contact us
If you require further information, please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 854830
Email: [email protected]
Patient Experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
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