A study of the relation of exposure to quinolones and suicidal behaviour.

Abstract

To investigate the concern, raised by spontaneous reports received by the German regulatory authorities, that use of quinolone antibiotics may increase the risk for suicide and other suicidal behaviours. We carried out a nested case-control study using the General Practice Research Database (GPRD). We compared the risk of suicidal behaviours among users of quinolones, other antibiotics and no antibiotics. From January 1, 1991 through April 30, 1995 we identified 348 cases of suicide, attempted suicide, or suicidal ideation and 808 controls. Compared with controls, cases who had received a prescription for a quinolone in the 30 days prior to the event had an adjusted relative risk (RR) estimate of 1.5 (95% CI 0.4-6.3) for any suicidal behaviour. Cases who had filled a prescription for a quinolone in the 31 to 180 days prior to their event had an adjusted RR estimate of 0.8 (95% CI 0.4-1.7) compared with controls. Cases who used other antibiotics in the 30 days prior to the event conferred an adjusted RR estimate of 1.1 (95% CI 0.6-2.2), and 0.9 (95% CI 0.6-1.3) for exposure in the 31 to 180 days prior to the event. The results were not materially different when suicide, suicide attempt, and suicidal ideation were analyzed separately. We conclude that there is no material increased risk of suicidal behaviours for use of quinolone antibiotics compared with non-use or use of other antibiotics.