When your doctor prescribes a fluoroquinolone, a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat serious bacterial infections. Also known as FQs, these drugs are often the last line of defense against stubborn infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and certain types of skin or sinus infections. They work by stopping bacteria from reproducing—targeting their DNA replication machinery so the infection can’t spread. But unlike many other antibiotics, fluoroquinolones don’t just kill bacteria—they can also cause serious side effects that stick around long after the infection is gone.
Common fluoroquinolones include ciprofloxacin, a widely used antibiotic for bladder and respiratory infections, levofloxacin, often prescribed for pneumonia and sinus infections, and moxifloxacin, used for more complex infections like abdominal or lung infections. These aren’t first-choice drugs anymore. The FDA has issued multiple warnings because fluoroquinolones can damage tendons, nerves, and even the aorta. People with kidney issues, older adults, and those on steroids are at higher risk. That’s why doctors now reserve them for cases where safer antibiotics won’t work.
What you won’t find in most patient brochures is how often these drugs are overused. Many people get them for simple sinus infections or bronchitis—conditions that are often viral and don’t need antibiotics at all. Even when they’re needed, the side effects can be surprising: tingling in your hands, sudden joint pain, or trouble sleeping. Some people report lasting nerve damage after just one course. And while besifloxacin, an eye drop form of a fluoroquinolone used for bacterial conjunctivitis is safer because it’s local and not absorbed systemically, the oral versions still carry serious risks.
You’ll see posts here about how fluoroquinolones compare to other antibiotics, how to recognize their side effects, and why some people stop taking them before finishing the course. There’s also coverage on how these drugs interact with other medications—like beta blockers or blood thinners—and why that matters. You’ll find real advice on what to do if you feel strange after starting one, when to call your doctor, and how to avoid unnecessary exposure. This isn’t just about knowing what fluoroquinolones are—it’s about understanding when they’re truly necessary, and when they’re doing more harm than good.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin carry a serious risk of tendon rupture, especially in older adults and those on steroids. Learn the signs, the high-risk groups, and what to do if you're prescribed one.