Effect of Ciprofloxacin Versus Levofloxacin on QTc-interval and Dysglycemia in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients.

Fluoroquinolones represent an important class of antibacterial drug and they are used worldwide.Fluoroquinolones are classified into generations according to the spectrum of antimicrobial activities that targeted them.Fluoroquinolones may cause several side effects as tendon rupture, central nervous toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, phototoxicity, disrupted glucose metabolism, skin disorders and hypersensitivity. Ciprofloxacin, a second generation fluoroquinolone, is one of the most successful and widely used compounds of fluoroquinolone. On the other hand, levofloxacin is a third generation fluoroquinolone.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is chronic disease and a serious of metabolic disorder associated with the presence of hyperglycemia due to partial or complete insulin deficiency. Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Fluoroquinolone class is associated with cardiac side effects as QTc prolongation. Some agents of fluoroquinolones were withdrawn from market. However, cardiac adverse effects has been developed with fluoroquinolones still in market. Members of fluoroquinolones class have different effects on QT interval. The US FDA suggested that the risk and benefits ratio of fluoroquinolones should be taken into consideration.

In addition to hyperglycemia events are more common with fluoroquinolones than with other classes of antibiotics. The food and drug administration (FDA) confirmed the current warning that fluoroquinolones may cause decrease in blood sugar especially in diabetic patients. However, other study proved that fluoroquinolones may cause dysglycemic events in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.