FDA Advises Restricted Use of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that fluoroquinolone antibiotics might do more harm than good for patients with sinusitis, bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections who have other treatment options.
It also advises that fluoroquinolones should only be prescribed for patients who do not have other treatment options.
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A safety review performed by the FDA showed that when fluoroquinolones were used systemically, they were associated with disabling and potentially permanent serious adverse effects that can occur together and can involve the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system.
To reflect the new safety information, the FDA is now updating the drug labels and medication guides for all fluoroquinolones currently available, including:
- Moxifloxacin
- Moxifloxacin injection
- Ciprofloxacin
- Ciprofloxacin extended-release
- Gemifloxacin
- Levofloxacin
- Ofloxacin
“Health care professionals should stop systemic fluoroquinolone treatment immediately if a patient reports serious side effects, and switch to a non-fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug to complete the patient’s treatment course,” the FDA concludes.
—Amanda Balbi
Reference:
FDA advises restricting fluoroquinolone antibiotic use for certain uncomplicated infections; warns about disabling side effects that can occur together [news release]. Silver Spring, MD: Food and Drug Administration; May 12, 2016. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM500591.pdf. Accessed May 13, 2016.