Fluoroquinolone toxicities : an update

The main types of adverse effects associated with quinolones are uncommon and reversible and vary in frequency among different agents. Phototoxicity appears more frequent with lomefloxacin than with some other quinolones. Three mechanisms have been proposed to explain the neurotoxic effects, including rare proconvulsant activity, associated with quinolone therapy. Arthropathy remains a dilemma for paediatricians deciding whether to use quinolones in growing children. Importantly, the experience with temafloxacin, which has now been withdrawn from the market, emphasises the need for thorough postmarketing surveillance. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that the fluoroquinolones as a group are effective and very well tolerated antimicrobial drugs.