Braun D, Petitpain N, Cosserat F, Loeuille D, Bitar S, Gillet P, Trechot P.

Pneumology Department, Maillot Hospital, 54150 Briey, France.

An 80-year-old man treated by levofloxacin developed multiple tendon ruptures. His symptoms resolved over 9 months after levofloxacin discontinuation. Nasal corticosteroid therapy, aging and chronic respiratory insufficiency were probably predisposing factors in this patient.

Pharmacotherapy. 2004 Dec;24(12):1807-12. Related Articles, Links

Fatal hypoglycemia associated with levofloxacin.

Friedrich LV, Dougherty R.

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, USA. lawrence.friedrich@cubist.com

Fluoroquinolones are generally regarded as safe antimicrobial agents with relatively few adverse effects or drug interactions. Thus, they enjoy widespread use for treatment of community- and hospital-acquired infections. Although uncommon, hypoglycemia has been reported with all the fluoroquinolones and appears to occur most frequently in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are receiving therapy with oral hypoglycemics. The exact mechanism of this effect is unknown but is postulated to be a result of blockage of adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic beta-cell membranes. We report a case of fatal hypoglycemia related to levofloxacin administration in an elderly patient with diabetes. As with other fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin can cause profound and prolonged hypoglycemia. Clinicians should be cognizant of this potential adverse effect in patients with diabetes who are receiving levofloxacin therapy. : Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2005 Jan;14(1):31-40. Related Articles, Links