Fluoroquinolones: Do The Risks Outweigh The Benefits?
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When bacterial infections are hard to prevent or treat, doctors often turn to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones to stop their spread.
These medications are known as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, and ofloxacin.
Some people have mild side effects like dizziness or diarrhea but others develop more serious reactions that are disabling and could be permanent.
These symptoms can affect muscles, tendons, and joints -- causing swelling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, and tendon rupture.
Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts have also been reported.
For many, the symptoms start after the first or second dose and last more than a year.
As a result, the FDA added a warning on medication labels and updated information in the patient medication guide.
The FDA says fluoroquinolones should not be prescribed for the treatment of three common bacterial infections
acute sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, and basic urinary tract infections. Fluoroquinolones are effective and should be used when their benefit outweighs the risk.
They might be the best option for more serious infections, like pneumonia and stomach infections -- or when someone is allergic to other antibiotics.
Before taking a fluoroquinolone, read the medication guide to learn about any precautions and potential side effects. And if you experience any serious side effects, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
These medications are known as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, and ofloxacin.
Some people have mild side effects like dizziness or diarrhea but others develop more serious reactions that are disabling and could be permanent.
These symptoms can affect muscles, tendons, and joints -- causing swelling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, and tendon rupture.
Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts have also been reported.
For many, the symptoms start after the first or second dose and last more than a year.
As a result, the FDA added a warning on medication labels and updated information in the patient medication guide.
The FDA says fluoroquinolones should not be prescribed for the treatment of three common bacterial infections
acute sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, and basic urinary tract infections. Fluoroquinolones are effective and should be used when their benefit outweighs the risk.
They might be the best option for more serious infections, like pneumonia and stomach infections -- or when someone is allergic to other antibiotics.
Before taking a fluoroquinolone, read the medication guide to learn about any precautions and potential side effects. And if you experience any serious side effects, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.