What Are Fluoroquinolones?

Antibiotics are a commonly used form of medication to combat a variety of bacterial infections.  These medications are usually prescribed by a doctor and have specific instruction and dosage requirements tailored to each individua patient.  Quinolones are types of medications that are synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotics.  Generally, these medications are derived from natural sources such as animals, plants, or bacteria. Quinolones help by preventing the bad bacteria that are causing the infections from duplicating and progressing any further. A large portion of quinolones are known as fluoroquinolones which are used the most. They have a fluorine atom in their system which their name was created from and are the focus of Levaquin lawsuit litigation involving serious side effects and adverse events.

Fluoride, which is labeled as a neurotoxin can be found in the medications called Fluoroquinolones.  This is one of the dangers of taking these medications, as Fluoride can pass easily through the brain and heart.  They have been reported to create side effects and permanent damage with their use.  On the reverse side, Fluoroquinolones have been reported to effectively treat older infections that have bacteria that have resisted other medications.  It is recorded that these specific types of antibiotics are prescribed for an estimated 26 million times annually.  Despite safety warnings, the number of Fluoroquinolones prescriptions has jumped millions over the last decade.

Fluoroquinolones are a type of broad spectrum antibiotic used for treatment in bacterial infections.  Many professional organizations suggest the use of these medications only if the bacterial infection is severe or if the bacteria has gained a resistance to other types of antibiotics.  Fluoroquinolones are considered a stronger type of medication.  Their use for mild infections and illnesses is not recommended, and use in children has been widely controversial.  Doctors generally on prescribe use for children in narrowly-defined circumstances, otherwise the effects and possible complications that can arise are not worth the use in such young patients.

There are several types of Fluoroquinolones available in the U.S.  These are gemifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin.  These medications are reported to have minimal side effects and are taken orally.  They have also been used to treat urinary tract infections as well as respiratory infections.  Treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis, skin infections, and many others have been reported as well.

Listed side effects of Fluoroquinolones are:

• Internal bleeding
• Rupture of the aorta
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Rupture/complications of tendons
• Aortic dissection

Fluoroquinolones have a “black box warning” due to the risk factor of tendon complications and tendonitis that has been reported. People who take brand name fluoroquinolones and suffer aortic dissection or aneurysm should speak to a Levaquin law firm to learn about their options and eligibility for compensation.

Many patients have been treated with Fluoroquinolones that have had serious bacterial infections or infections that resisted other treatments.  While they may have some serious side effects, these antibiotics are still widely used by millions today.