Fluoroquinolones are a group of antibacterial drugs that are active against a wide range of microorganisms and are used in the treatment of a number of infections with different localizations. Recently, on the initiative of the FDA (U.S. treatment with these antibiotics, especially in combination with corticosteroids, and the risk of developing potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions after taking multiple doses of fluoroquinolones.

The possibility of damage to the tendons, particularly of the upper limbs and Achilles, often requiring surgery or leading to permanent impairment of the limb, has long been described in the context of fluoroquinolone therapy. There are known cases of the development of tendonitis several months after the end of treatment. According to updated information, patients over the age of 65 taking fluoroquinolones are at increased risk of developing severe tendon damage, and this risk increases with concomitant corticosteroid therapy. FDA experts recommend using these antibiotics with caution in the elderly, especially in combination with glucocorticoids. In case of symptoms of tendon injury, patients are advised to stop treatment with fluoroquinolones and to refrain from any physical activity until a diagnosis of tendonitis or tendon rupture is ruled out.

The previously reported information on the risk of developing severe and in some cases fatal hypersensitivity reactions, often occurring after the first dose of fluoroquinolones, has also been changed. These reactions included cardiovascular collapse, hypotension, shock, seizures, loss of consciousness, itching, angioedema, impaired breathing, suffocation, hives and other rashes.

Currently, the FDA indicates a relatively low risk of developing serious reactions, in some fatal cases, after taking multiple doses of drugs. Similar reactions may occur with one or more of the following symptoms: fever, rash or severe dermatological reactions (eg toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome), vasculitis, arthralgia, myalgia, serum sickness, allergic pneumonitis, interstitial nephritis , acute renal failure, hepatitis, jaundice, acute hepatic failure, anemia, including hemolytic and aplastic, thrombocytopenia, including purpa thrombocytopenic ru, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia and other haematological reactions. If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, treatment with fluoroquinolones should be discontinued, all necessary assistance should be provided to patients.