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Inquest links lawyer’s suicide to ofloxacin, calls for stronger warnings
An inquest heard that lawyer Alex Mulroney died after taking ofloxacin, an antibiotic, and later walking into the path of a car. The coroner concluded that, on the balance of probability, the medicine did not directly cause his death but induced a determination to end his life, and called for stronger safeguards around warnings.
Mulroney had no known history of mental ill health or self-harm and was prescribed ofloxacin after another antibiotic failed to resolve a recurring physical condition. He took the medicine on 16 December 2025; two days later, after leaving home and driving to a dual carriageway, he died at the scene. The coroner sent a Prevention of Future Deaths report to NICE, the medicines regulator and the British National Formulary, saying existing warnings did not adequately inform patients or prescribers.
In short
- Coroner linked ofloxacin to a new determination to end his life.
- The inquest heard Mulroney had no history of mental ill health.
- A report calls for stronger safeguards and clearer warnings.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Stronger warnings could help patients and prescribers recognise a possible risk of severe psychological effects, particularly when a patient has no known history of mental ill health. Clearer information could support informed treatment choices and prompt earlier review or help if concerning changes emerge.
The case against
Warnings should be strengthened only where evidence supports a meaningful, medicine-specific risk and the guidance can be made clear and proportionate. Overstating uncertain risks could alarm patients, discourage use of an antibiotic that may be needed, or make it harder for prescribers to weigh its benefits against its risks.
Explained simply
Ofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat some bacterial infections, including when another medicine has not worked. It belongs to a group of medicines called fluoroquinolones, which can have serious side effects as well as treating infection.
Alex Mulroney was a lawyer with no known history of mental ill health or self-harm. He was prescribed ofloxacin for a recurring physical condition after another antibiotic failed to resolve it.
In England and Wales, an inquest examines the circumstances of a death. A coroner can issue a report to organisations such as the medicines regulator, NICE and the British National Formulary if they believe action could help prevent future deaths.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Intelligent and successful’ lawyer with no history of mental illness threw himself in front of car after being prescribed ‘dangerous’ antibiotic medicine, inquest hears”.