FDA Recommends Stronger Warnings on Antibiotic

A particular class of antibiotics, fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, etc.) need much stronger warnings about the risks for adverse effects, according to the FDA. These effects include tendinitis, tendon rupture, heart issues, peripheral neuropathy, phytotoxicity, and more. The panel that evaluated the labelling also stated that the current labeled indications are not supported by the literature and are not warranted for acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis in those with COPD, and uncomplicated urinary tract infection. In the best of times these drugs were only supposed to be used when other antibiotics failed, not as a first choice. Now it is recommended that the use of these drugs be further scaled back.