FDA Orders Fluoroquinolone Makers to Warn of Blood Sugar Decrease, Mental Health Risks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration says it has ordered the makers of fluoroquinolone antibiotics to change the drugs’ labeling to add warnings of significant decreases in blood sugar and certain mental health side effects.

According to a July 10 safety alert, the side effects include delirium, disorientation, memory impairment, agitation, nervousness, and disturbances in attention.

The FDA approved fluoroquinolone antibiotics to treat certain serious bacterial infections, and work by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that can cause illness.

Most fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug labels warn of blood sugar disturbances, including high blood sugar and low …