FDA: Avoid Cipro, Similar Drugs for Common Infections — Agency says risks outweigh benefits
05.12.2016 INFECTIOUS DISEASE WASHINGTON Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, the class that includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ciprofloxacin, getifloxacin, ofloxacin, pefloxacin, sparfloxacin, levofloxacin , e.t.c should not be used to treat uncomplicated infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections for which other drug types are effective, the FDA announced Thursday. Only patients with these conditions who can't be treated with other agents should receive fluoroquinolones, the agency said. "An FDA safety review has shown that fluoroquinolones when used systemically (i.e., tablets, capsules, and injectable) are associated with disabling and potentially permanent serious side effects that can occur together. These side effects can involve the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system," the FDA said. Labels and medication guides for these agents will be updated to reflect the review's findings . The FDA noted that it has had ...