Fluoroquinolones for urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
ciprofloxacin	Cipro
levofloxacin	Levaquin
lomefloxacin	Maxaquin
norfloxacin	Noroxin
ofloxacin	Floxin

Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics that you take once or twice a day to treat a urinary tract infection. You can take them by mouth (orally) or by injection.

How It Works

These antibiotics kill the bacteria that commonly cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Why It Is Used

Flouroquinolones can be used to treat a bladder or kidney infection. They can also treat urinary tract infections that have complications, such as pregnancy, a high temperature [greater than 101°F (38.3°C)], or ongoing nausea, vomiting, and chills.

How Well It Works

Fluoroquinolones relieve the symptoms of a urinary tract infection and kill bacteria in the urinary tract. Symptoms should improve within 2 to 3 days of therapy. Fluoroquinolones are effective against a broad range of bacteria, and they can be effective in killing bacteria that are resistant to other medications such as amoxicillin.¹

You usually take fluoroquinolones for 3 days for uncomplicated bladder infections, but you may need to take them for 10 to 14 days for complicated bladder infections or kidney infections.

Side Effects

Side effects from fluoroquinolones may include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• A metallic taste in the mouth.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Increased sensitivity to the sun.
• Rash.

These antibiotics increase the risk of a tendon rupture or other tendon damage. If you have sudden pain or swelling around your ankle, shoulder, elbow, or hand while taking one of these medicines, tell your doctor. Do not exercise until your doctor says it is okay.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Drink several glasses of water every day that you take a fluoroquinolone.

Some fluoroquinolones are best taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or dairy product. Other fluoroquinolones are best taken with food or a diary product. Follow the directions on your medicine label.

Do not take iron or zinc supplements and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum within 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking a fluoroquinolone.

Sun sensitivity. Some fluoroquinolones may increase your sensitivity to the sun, making it easier to get a sunburn.

• Avoid direct sunlight and sunlamps while you are taking this medication and for 5 days after you have stopped taking it.
• Most sunscreens do not block enough of the ultraviolet rays to prevent a reaction to the sun (phototoxic reaction). If you cannot avoid direct sunlight, cover as much of your body as you can with clothing.

Fluoroquinolones are approved for use only in people older than 18. They can affect the growth of bones, teeth, and cartilage in a child or fetus.

If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of these medications.

Antibiotic resistance

Be sure to take all of the medication your doctor gives you, even if you are feeling better. If you do not take all of your antibiotics as prescribed, the infection may return. Not taking the full course of antibiotics also encourages the development of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. This not only makes antibiotics less effective but also makes bacterial infections more difficult to treat.

Antibiotic resistance among bacteria that cause UTIs has increased steadily in recent decades. You and your doctor may have to try different antibiotics, and different combinations of antibiotics, to find the right medication that will kill the bacteria causing your UTI. Before you start a new antibiotic, your doctor may use results of urine tests to help select a medication.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: June 15, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
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