Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Let's know exactly about the risks and side effects

You've probably been prescribed an antibiotic for a bacterial infection when you've been to the doctor. Some of these are very strong and can cure the infection quickly. But did you know that there are some stronger antibiotics that can have even more serious side effects? Fluoroquinolones are a class of drugs that are used only in special cases. Today, we'll talk about everything in a simple and clear way.

What are these fluoroquinolones?

Simply put, these are a group of antibiotics that are used to treat or prevent certain bacterial infections. Although they were discovered in the 1960s, doctors began using them widely in the 1970s and 1980s. At that time, these drugs were very popular. They were very effective in treating a wide range of infections, from urinary tract infections to pneumonia. They were easy to take as a pill once or twice a day, making them easy to take. They were in high demand among doctors because they provided quick relief even when other antibiotics did not work. However, the problem was that some people started to experience serious side effects from these drugs. Also, because they were used unnecessarily for every disease, some bacteria became resistant to these drugs (antibiotic resistance).

How does this medicine work?

Think of a bacterium as a copying machine. It keeps making copies of itself, which increases the number of infections in our bodies. To make these copies, the bacterium needs to stretch its genetic code, that is, its DNA. Special enzymes help it to stretch this DNA. Fluoroquinolones stop the enzymes that stretch the DNA. Then the bacteria cannot make copies, that is, they cannot reproduce. This is how these drugs control the spread of the infection.

What diseases are fluoroquinolones used for?

First, let's look at the common infections for which this medication should not be used . In general, it is not recommended for the following conditions that can be treated with other simple antibiotics:

• Acute sinusitis​
• Acute bronchitis (acute bronchitis)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Here are some of the situations in which a doctor may prescribe this medication:

• Complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Pneumonia
• Prostate infection (Prostatitis)
• Diarrhea caused by certain bacteria
• Serious conditions where germs enter the bloodstream, such as sepsis

Dentists may also recommend them for some dental infections. They are also used for people who are allergic to other antibiotics or when there are no other options.

What medicines belong to the fluoroquinolone group?

You may be familiar with one of these names. These are the most commonly used types of fluoroquinolones. These come in the form of pills, IV injections, ear drops, and eye drops.

What are the serious side effects of this medication?

This is the most important part of this article. Not everyone has side effects from fluoroquinolones. However, for some people, the side effects can be serious enough to cause permanent damage. So it is important to be aware of this. Some side effects may appear within hours of starting the medication. Others may appear weeks or even months after stopping the medication. Some of the most common and serious side effects are:

• Tendon problems: The tendon, especially the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, can become swollen, painful, or even rupture.
• Nerve damage: This is called peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and a tingling sensation in the limbs. These can sometimes be permanent.
• Mental health problems: Anxiety, agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts may occur.
• Damage to the aorta: This is a very rare but very dangerous condition. It can cause a tear or a split in the aorta (aortic dissection).
• Changes in blood sugar levels: Blood sugar levels can become dangerously low or high in both diabetics and healthy people.
• For myasthenia gravis patients: Muscle weakness may worsen in people with this disease.

What do you do if you experience a symptom like this?

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking a fluoroquinolone, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately. If you have severe pain or difficulty breathing, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.

• Sudden pain, swelling, or stiffness in tendons, joints, or muscles.
• Numbness, tingling, or a crawling sensation in the limbs.
• Anxiety, confusion, or change in mental status.
• Feeling dizzy or having an irregular heartbeat.
• Diarrhea with severe stomach pain.