Commentary: Pemphigoid associated with quinolone antibiotics: a real-world pharmacovigilance study of the FDA adverse event reporting system and literature-based evidence - Report - MDSpire

Analysis of Pemphigoid Linked to Quinolone Antibiotics: Insights from FDA Adverse Event Reports and Literature Review

  • By

  • Hai-Hong Lin

  • Kai-Li Mao

  • Liu-Cheng Li

  • Huan-Hao Zhou

  • July 17, 2026

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Clinical Report: Analysis of Pemphigoid Linked to Quinolone Antibiotics

Background

Pemphigoid is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder that can be triggered by various medications, including quinolone antibiotics. Understanding the association between these drugs and pemphigoid is crucial for clinicians, especially given the increasing use of quinolones in treating infections.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data is presented in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Significant disproportionality signals for ofloxacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were identified.
  • Most adverse events occurred within 30 days of quinolone therapy initiation.
  • The majority of reported cases involved elderly females.
  • Methodological confounders, such as concomitant use of high-risk drugs, were not adequately addressed.
  • The distinction between drug-induced and infection-induced pemphigoid remains unclear.
  • The study's reliance on a single reporting database limits the generalizability of the findings.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the potential association between quinolone antibiotics and pemphigoid, particularly in elderly patients. Careful monitoring for signs of pemphigoid during quinolone therapy is advised, especially when patients are on multiple medications.

Conclusion

The association between quinolone antibiotics and pemphigoid warrants further investigation to clarify causality and improve pharmacovigilance practices. A multidisciplinary approach, including the involvement of clinical pharmacists, may enhance patient safety.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Li, X., Zhang, D., Xu, J., Xu, Z., Xu, K., & Cheng, J., Front. Immunol., 2026 -- Analysis of Pemphigoid Linked to Quinolone Antibiotics
  2. Drugs - Real World Outcomes — Analysis of Adverse Event Reporting for Pemphigoid Linked to Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors in Japan
  3. Frontiers in Medicine — Editorial: Exploring Cutaneous Drug-Related and Drug-Associated Adverse events: from Clinical Insights to Therapeutic Management
  4. Drugs - Real World Outcomes — Association of Proton Pump Inhibitors with Drug-Induced Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
  5. Infection — Correction to: Influence of Safety Alerts on Fluoroquinolone Prescribing Practices: Findings from a Cohort Analysis Utilizing Outpatient Data
  6. Diagnostik und Therapie des Pemphigus vulgaris / foliaceus und des bullösen Pemphigoids
  7. Frontiers | Pemphigoid associated with quinolone antibiotics: a real-world pharmacovigilance study of the FDA adverse event reporting system and literature-based evidence
  8. A comparison of oral and topical corticosteroids in patients with bullous pemphigoid - PubMed

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