Grepafloxacin Disease Interactions

Quinolones may cause CNS stimulation manifested as tremors, agitation, restlessness, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, insomnia, toxic psychosis, and/or seizures. Benign intracranial hypertension has also been reported. Therapy with quinolones should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures or other CNS abnormalities. In addition, these patients should be advised to avoid the consumption of caffeine-containing products during therapy with some quinolones, most notably ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, and cinoxacin, since these agents can substantially reduce the clearance of caffeine and other methylxanthines, potentially resulting in severe CNS reactions.

Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. Postmarketing serious adverse events, including deaths and requirement for ventilatory support, have been associated with fluoroquinolones use in persons with myasthenia gravis. Fluoroquinolones should be avoided in patients with history of myasthenia gravis.

The use of quinolones has been associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy. Monitor closely and discontinue their use in patients experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. It is recommended to avoid these agents in patients who have previously experienced peripheral neuropathy.

Tendonitis and ruptures of the shoulder, hand, and Achilles tendons have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, both during and after treatment. Avoid the use of these agents in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or have experienced tendinitis or tendon rupture. Therapy with quinolones should be administered cautiously in patients with patients with kidney, heart, and lung transplant, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a quinolone-induced musculoskeletal effect. Factors that may independently increase the risk of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended to discontinue these agents if, at any time during therapy, pain, inflammation or rupture of a tendon develops and institute appropriate treatment.