MRHA recommends prescribers of fluoroquinolones to advise patients to stop treatment at the first signs of a serious adverse reaction, such as tendinitis or tendon rupture, muscle pain, muscle weakness, joint pain, joint swelling, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects, and to contact their doctor immediately for further advice.
MRHA also advises
- Avoid administration with corticosteroids since this could exacerbate fluoroquinolone-induced tendinitis and tendon rupture
- Avoid use in patients who have previously had serious adverse reactions with a quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotic
- Prescribe with special caution in people older than 60 years and for those with renal impairment or solid-organ transplants because they are at a higher risk of tendon injury.
Please see this link to full MRHA guidance and patient information leaflet.