Fluoroquinolones

What is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic?

Fluoroquinolones are a family of antibiotics that include the medicines, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin and moxifloxacin.

Why have I been prescribed this medicine?

You have been prescribed a fluoroquinolone antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection.

How do I take this medicine?

Take the medicine as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Take the medicine at the same time each day (or as close as possible) and make sure you complete the course.

• Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water or juice. Do not chew them.
• Liquids should be administered using a measuring spoon or oral syringe, you will be given this by your pharmacist. The pharmacy label will tell you how to correctly store the medicine.

Do not eat or drink any dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) at the same time of day as taking your medicine as this may affect how the medicine works.

Take ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and ofloxacin 1 to 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking medicines containing calcium, magnesium or aluminium (antacids or indigestion medicines).

Take moxifloxacin 6 hours before or 6 hours after taking medicines containing calcium, magnesium or aluminium (antacids or indigestion medicines).

What if I am sick after I have my medicine?

If you are sick (vomit) less than 30 minutes after having a dose of medicine, you can take the same dose again.

If you are sick (vomit) more than 30 minutes after having a dose of medicine, you do not need to to take another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.

If you continue to be sick (vomit), seek help from your doctor.

What if  forget to take my medicine?

If you take your medicine 1 time per day, take the medicine as soon as you remember. Continue with the next dose the following day.

If you take your medicine 2 times per day, and your medicine is less than 4 hours late, take the medicine as soon as you remember. Then continue with the next dose at the normal time. If your medicine is more than 4 hours late, skip the dose and wait until the next normal dose.

Are there any side effects?

As with all medications, you may experience some side effects.

Anaphylaxis

Please learn more about the symptoms of anaphylaxis here.

Pain

If you experience any pain, swelling or unusual sensation in your tendon or joints, when taking the medicine stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor straight away.

Tingling

If you experience any feeling of persistent pins and needles, tingling, burning or weakness in the body, when taking this medicine, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor straight away.

Anxiety

If you feel more anxious or overwhelmed when taking this medicine, contact your doctor straight away and ask them if you should continue with the course.

Changes to senses

If you experience changes to your ability to smell, taste, hear or see when taking this medicine, contact your doctor straight away and ask them if you should continue with the course.

Sickness and diarrhoea

If you feel sick (with or without vomiting), have stomach pains or diarrhoea, when you take this medicine contact your doctor straight away and ask them if you should continue with the course.

Taking pain relief

Try not to take ibuprofen, very rarely, taking ibuprofen with these medicines can increase the risk of seizures (fits). If you already suffer with seizures you are at increased risk.

If you need paracetamol and are allowed to take it, take as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

Sunlight

Your skin might be more sensitive to the sunlight whilst taking this medicine. If you go outside apply a sunscreen (of SPF 30 or higher) and avoid being in direct sunlight.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about your medicine.