Fluoroquinolone-Associated Movement Disorder: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Fluoroquinolones (FQNs) are related to several central nervous system side effects. This review aims to evaluate the clinical-epidemiological profile, pathophysiological mechanisms, and management of FQNs-associated movement disorders (MDs). Methods: Two reviewers identified and assessed relevant reports in six databases without language restriction between 1988 and 2022. Results: A total of 45 reports containing 51 cases who developed MDs secondary to FQNs were reported. The MDs included 25 myoclonus, 13 dyskinesias, 7 dystonias, 2 cerebellar syndromes, 1 ataxia, 1 tic, and 2 undefined cases. The FQNs reported were ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, gemifloxacin, and pefloxacin. The mean and median age were 64.54 (SD: 15.45) and 67 years (range: 25–87 years). The predominant sex was male (54.16%). The mean and median time of MD onset were 6.02 (SD: 10.87) and 3 days (range: 1–68 days). The mean and median recovery time after MD treatment was 5.71 (SD: 9.01) and 3 days (range: 1–56 days). A complete recovery was achieved within one week of drug withdrawal in 80.95% of the patients. Overall, 95.83% of the individuals fully recovered after management. Conclusions: Future cases need to describe the long-term follow-up of the individuals. Additionally, FQN-induced myoclonus should include electrodiagnostic studies.