Do Fluoroquinolones Increase Risk for Pseudotumor Cerebri?

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is characterized by raised intracranial pressure in the absence of intracranial mass lesions or venous thrombosis. The condition typically causes disabling headaches and papilledema, which can lead to permanent visual loss. It typically occurs in obese women between puberty and menopause and can be idiopathic (also termed idiopathic intracranial hypertension). Secondary PTC is also common and has been associated with the use of tetracycline antibiotics, including doxycycline, and minocycline. Recently, case reports have also linked secondary PTC with the use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin.

To quantify the risks for secondary PTC associated with fluoroquinolone…