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Fluoroquinolones: Moxifloxacin linked to 10-fold increase in hypoglycemia risk, FDA warns of peripheral neuropathy

August 16, 2013
  • Advising on this article:
  • Allana Sucher

KEY POINT

Patients with diabetes who were taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics had an increased risk of severe dysglycemia compared to those taking non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The risk differed among fluoroquinolones and was highest with moxifloxacin (Avelox—Bayer), which was associated with a 10-fold absolute increased risk for hypoglycemia. In an unrelated action, FDA is requiring label updates to all fluoroquinolones to warn of peripheral neuropathy risks.

SOURCES

Chou et al. Risk of severe dysglycemia among diabetic patients receiving levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, or moxifloxacin in Taiwan. Clin Inf Dis. 2013.

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