FDA Updates Safety Warnings for Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
Roni Shye - May 18, 2017
On May 10th, 2017, the FDA issued a safety update on fluoroquinolone antibiotics, like Cipro and Levaquin, as part of an ongoing review.
About a year ago, the FDA released findings that fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause dangerous side effects involving the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and central nervous system, and advised that use should be restricted in uncomplicated situations.
However, the FDA has reviewed all reports and updated their safety warning. See More
Are Antibiotics Levaquin and Cipro Dangerous?
Dr. Sharon Orrange - July 05, 2016
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Levaquin (levofloxacin) are commonly prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotics that have been making news recently. (Moxifloxacin and ofloxacin are some other examples).
Why have they been in the news? Restrictions have recently been placed on their use. While they are effective for the treatment of pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sinusitis and bronchitis among other things, there are some major downsides. See More
FDA Safety Alert: Quinolone Antibiotics
Roni Shye - May 25, 2016
The FDA has issued a safety alert for a certain type of antibiotics: fluoroquinolones, also known as quinolones.
According to the FDA, there is new information that quinolone antibiotics may cause very serious side effects when used to treat sinusitis, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections.
What kind of serious side effects can occur if a quinolone antibiotic is used to treat these conditions?
Heads up—this is a serious new warning. See More
Ofloxacin Ear Drops Discontinued: What Are Your Options?
Roni Shye - March 10, 2016
Ofloxacin (generic Floxin and Ocuflox) is a common antibiotic used to treat ear and eye infections, among other common bacterial infections. In the past, there have been both ear (otic) and eye (ophthalmic) drops available, along with an oral tablet—but now, you and your doctor may need to find an alternative antibiotic, at least when it comes to the ear drops.
Last year, in 2015, two pharmaceutical companies (Apotex and Sandoz) discontinued their ofloxacin 0. See More
What’s the Best Treatment for an Ear Infection?
Roni Shye - June 16, 2014
Ear infections are caused by either a bacteria or a virus. The infection leads to inflammation, usually in the middle part of the ear. Young children are often more prone to ear infections because their ears aren’t yet fully developed, though adults may also get ear infections.
Where do most ear infections occur?
Ear infections most often occur in the middle part of the ear.
What are signs and symptoms of an ear infection?
Ear infections in children as well as adults sometimes include symptoms such as:
- Pulling at one or both ears (due to ear pain)
- Crying
- Fever
- Trouble sleeping
- Drainage from the ear
- Reduced/fuzzy hearing
How are ear infections treated?
Treatment with an oral pain reliever like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) usually helps alleviate fever and pain within a few hours. See More
Tingling and Burning: Fluoroquinolones and Peripheral Neuropathy
Dr. Sharon Orrange - August 19, 2013
Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics that include levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin,and moxifloxacin (Avelox). Antibiotics are over-prescribed for viral upper respiratory infections and before you think to yourself “I’ve been sick for awhile, maybe I should get an antibiotic,” be aware of some of the risks.
Don’t get me wrong, these are great antibiotics with broad coverage that save lives when used for the proper indications. See More
FDA Warning for Zithromax (Z-Pak)
Elizabeth Davis - April 15, 2013
The FDA recently posted a safety announcement that Zithromax (azithromycin)—the super-popular Z-Pak antibiotic—can cause potentially fatal irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias.
What does that mean for you?
If you have an existing heart condition, be aware and talk to your doctor about your options if you need an antibiotic. Other macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin) and quinolone antibiotics (Cipro, Levaquin) have the same potential side effect, but there are other options out there and your doctor will best be able to weigh your risk against your need for a particular medication. See More
