Fluoroquinolone Antimicrobials (Systemic)

Fluroquinolone antimicrobials are antibiotics that are used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections throughout the body. These medications should be taken with meals and must be taken until they are used up even if the patient feels better after only a few days on the medication. Continuing to take the full course of medication ensures that the infection doesn’t return.

Side Effects/Warnings

These antibiotics are associated with tendonitis, a painful inflammation of the tendons that can make movement difficult. Tendons may also become damaged as a result of taking this medication. Tendon damage is extremely painful and requires surgical correction. Patients over the age of 60 are at increased risk for this problem.

Patients with myasthenia gravis should not take this medication, as it contributes to muscle weakness.