Good stuff about the quinolone class of abs:
They are broad spectrum and have allowed ER doctor's worldwide to treat most cases of pneumonia without sputum cultures--usually Levaquin is first prescribed.
Cipro is the first line of defense against PA. It does a decent job of penetrating that impenetrable membrane we hear so much about.
Avelox is pretty useful against TB and mycobacterial infections and is often added to that 3-drug regimen. Also it is considered useful for bone infections--that same penetrating quality.
Bad stuff that you already read: joint pain, achilles tendon rupture (mostly in older men), insomnia, bad dreams and hallucinations.
For most people these symptoms are never experienced. I was on 18 months of this stuff before having issues.
I am very grateful to Avelox even if it makes me a nutcase with aching ankles.