A STUDY OF THE RELATION OF EXPOSURE TO QUINOLONES AND SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR

Aims To investigate the concern, raised by spontaneous reports receive d by the German regulatory authorities, that use of quinolone antibiot ics may increase the risk for suicide and other suicidal behaviours. M ethods We carried out a nested case-control study using the General Pr actice Research Database (GPRD). We compared the risk of suicidal beha viours among users of quinolones, other antibiotics and no antibiotics . Results From January 1, 1991 through April 30, 1995 we identified 34 8 cases of suicide, attempted suicide, or suicidal ideation and 808 co ntrols. Compared with controls, cases who had received a prescription for a quinolone in the 30 days prior to the event had an adjusted rela tive risk (RR) estimate of 1.5 (95% CI 0.4-6.3) for any suicidal behav iour. 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 diffe rent when suicide, suicide attempt, and suicidal ideation were analyze d separately. Conclusions We conclude that there is no material increa sed risk of suicidal behaviours for use of quinolone antibiotics compa red with non-use or use of other antibiotics.