Safety of fluoroquinolones

Rev Esp Quimioter. 2024 Apr;37(2):127-133. doi: 10.37201/req/143.2023. Epub 2023 Dec 22.

Abstract

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of antibiotics. Although they were initially well tolerated in randomized clinical trials, subsequent epidemiological studies have reported an increased risk of threatening, severe, long-lasting, disabling and irreversible adverse effects (AEs), related to neurotoxicity and collagen degradation, such as tendonitis, Achilles tendon rupture, aortic aneurysm, and retinal detachment. This article reviews the main potentially threatening AEs, the alarms issued by regulatory agencies and therapeutic alternatives.

Las fluoroquinolonas son una de las clases de antibióticos más prescritas. Aunque inicialmente fueron bien toleradas en ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, estudios epidemiológicos posteriores han informado de un mayor riesgo de efectos adversos efectos adversos amenazantes, graves, duraderos, incapacitantes e irreversibles, relacionados con la neurotoxicidad y la degradación del colágeno, como tendinitis, rotura del tendón de Aquiles, aneurisma aórtico y desprendimiento de retina. Este artículo repasa los principales efectos adversos potencialmente amenazadores, las alarmas emitidas por las agencias reguladoras y las alternativas terapéuticas.

Keywords: Fluoroquinolones; adverse effects; aortic aneurism; dysglycemia; neuropathy; tendon rupture.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Fluoroquinolones* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Tendinopathy* / chemically induced

Substances

  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents