Levaquin and peripheral neuropathy

Quote:

Levaquin has been linked to blood sugar problems, liver disorders and peripheral neuropathy. People with peripheral neuropathy may experience temporary numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations, sensitivity to touch, or muscle weakness. Others may suffer more extreme symptoms, including burning pain (especially at night), muscle wasting, paralysis, or organ or gland dysfunction. In the most extreme cases, breathing may become difficult or organ failure may occur. Peripheral neuropathy can become permanent, so Levaquin should be discontinued immediately if any symptoms of this disorder appear during treatment.

Source: http://www.smacktalknation.com/cipro/cipro-levaquin-similar-antibiotics-can-cause-tendon-ruptures-and-other-problems/ 

Fluoroquinolones and peripheral neuropathy 

This is not a new problem and it has been discussed in a paper already in 2001:

In contrast to previous reports suggesting that fluoroquinolone-associated PNS events are mild and short-term, 36 of the 45 cases reported severe events that typically involved multiple organ systems. Although many newer cases are still evolving, symptoms had lasted more than three months in 71% of cases and more than one year in 58%. Onset of adverse events was usually rapid, with 15 (33%) events beginning within 24 hours of initiating treatment, 26 (58%) within 72 hours, and 38 (84%) within one week. Sixty courses of fluoroquinolones were prescribed: levofloxacin (n = 33 cases), ciprofloxacin (n = 11), ofloxacin (n = 6), lomefloxacin (n = 1), trovafloxacin (n = 1); in eight cases the same antibiotic was prescribed twice.

The conclusion of the authors was:

These cases suggest a possible association between fluoroquinolone antibiotics and severe, long-term adverse effects involving the PNS as well as other organ systems. The severity of these cases may reflect a different population than typically reported to drug companies or MedWatch, which often originate from healthcare providers. In contrast, Internet Web sites may provide a forum for patients experiencing adverse effects that have not resolved promptly. Further study is warranted. Meanwhile the occurrence of PNS symptoms during fluoroquinolone therapy should prompt immediate discontinuation of the agent used.^[1] 

If patients are treated with antibiotics from this class, and symptoms of neuropathy start emerging, direct attention of the treating physician is needed and appropriate action has to be taken. 

Ciprofloxacin: FDA warning, neuropathy! 

Peripheral neuropathy: Rare cases of sensory or sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy affecting small and/or large axons resulting in paresthesias, hypoesthesias, dysesthesias and weakness have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin should be discontinued if the patient experiences symptoms of neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness, or is found to have deficits in light touch, pain, temperature, position sense, vibratory sensation, and/or motor strength in order to prevent the development of an irreversible condition.  

See also: 

But overall, these antibacterial agents can be considered safe and well tolerated drugs. ^[2]

March 2010, Jan M. Keppel Hesselink, MD, PhD 

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