Fluoroquinolone antibiotics and double vision

-Examiner

09/04/2009 - In the September issue of Opthalmology, researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland analyzed 171 case reports from the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects, World Health Organization, and Food and Drug Administration to determine the association of the antibiotics and diplopia (double vision).

A total of 171 case reports of diplopia associated with fluoroquinolones were reported, including 76 men, 91 women, and 4 case reports in which the gender was not specified. The median age was 51.6 years.

Dosage varied between the different fluoroquinolone drugs, with the median dosage within the range recommended in the package insert for each different fluoroquinolone.

Median time from beginning of therapy to appearance of the adverse drug reaction (ADR) was 9.6 days (range 1 day to 5 months). According to the authors, medication was discontinued in 53 patients, and diplopia resolved in all 53.

According to World Health Organization criteria, the relationship between fluoroquinolone therapy and diplopia is “possible.” This causality assessment is based on the time relationship of drug administration and ADR development, the multiple positive dechallenge and rechallenge reports, and the plausible mechanism by which diplopia could occur: possible tendinitis of the extraocular muscles.

About a year ago the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the makers of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials that they need to place boxed warnings on the labels of drugs in this class because they pose a risk for tendinitis and tendon rupture.

What are fluoroquinolones?

Fluoroquinolones are synthetic, broad spectrum antibiotics approved for the treatment or prevention of certain bacterial infections. Like other antibacterial drugs, fluoroquinolones do not treat viral infections such as colds or flu.

Which drugs are in this class of antibiotic?

The antibiotics that are fluoroquinolones are ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, Levaquin (levofloxacin), Avelox (moxifloxacin), Noroxin (norfloxacin), and ofloxacin.

If you or a loved one have experienced serious side effects or injury as a result of Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as tendonitis, torn ligament, or ruptured tendons, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact one of our Fluoroquinolone lawyers today for more information regarding your legal rights. For more information about a potential Fluoroquinolone lawsuit, or Fluoroquinolone side effects, fill out our free case evaluation form or call the toll-free number listed below.