FDA Strengthens Warning on Powerful Antibiotics

Fluoroquinolones can cause serious and sometimes permanent side-effects

The Food and Drug Administration strengthened warnings on a class of antibiotics, calling it too strong to be used for sinus infections, bronchitis and simple urinary tract infections.

Fluoroquinolones, which include levofloxacin (as known as Levaquin) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro), can cause serious and sometimes permanent side-effects, NBC News reported.

"While these drugs are effective in treating serious bacterial infections, an FDA safety review found that both oral and injectable fluoroquinolones are associated with disabling side effects involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and the central nervous system," the agency said in a statement.

The drugs are worthwhile to use for potentially fatal infections such as plague, anthrax and some types of bacterial pneumonia but not for the more minor stuff, FDA added.

Contact Us