Fluoroquinolone drugs

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Please note, the below information reflects drugs used in the United States; names and brands may differ in other countries and may be found on:

https://www.drugs.com/  or  https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines

The class name “fluoroquinolones” reflects a key structural feature: these drugs are quinolone antibiotics that contain a fluorine atom. Nalidixic acid was the original quinolone antibiotic and did not contain fluorine.

The main systemic fluoroquinolones used in the United States today include include levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), gemifloxacin (Factive), and delafloxacin (Baxdela). Most listed brand names are discontinued except Cipro and Baxdela. 

 ➥  Various forms:  pill, eye or ear drops, inhalers (outside USA), intravenous (aka "injectable")

The FDA’s major boxed warnings for fluoroquinolones apply to systemic formulations, including oral and injectable/IV products.  FDA labeling for some fluoroquinolone eye and ear products acknowledges systemic absorption or systemic quinolone-type hypersensitivity warnings, although these products do not carry the same boxed warning language required for oral and injectable/IV fluoroquinolones.  

Key Differences Across Drug Generations:

 ➡️ Spectrum of Activity: Each generation added broader and more targeted coverage, especially against gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes.

 ➡️ Application: Later generations are used to treat a wider range of infections, including respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, and skin infections.

Fluoroquinolones & Quinolones Removed from U.S. Market (may not be complete list):

Cinoxacin; Clinafloxacin; Fleroxacin; Flumequine; Gatifloxacin; Grepafloxacin; Nalidixic acid; Pefloxacin; Temafloxacin (Omniflox); Sarafloxacin, Sparfloxacin; Zagam

Restricted fluoroquinolone:  trovafloxacin (Trovan)

 ➥  See FDA and EMA warnings on these drugs.

                               The below was updated June 2026 and may have omissions.