Antibiotics with serious adverse effects

European Medicines Agency (EMA)remember Dangers of taking fluoroquinolonesa family antibiotic Well-known drugs such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are among them.Therefore, understand Negative Effects what they can produce Alarm You should be aware of this if you must take them.

Fluoroquinolones: what they are and what they are used for

If you’ve ever had a urinary infection or respiratory infection, your doctor may prescribe a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.This family is Composed of six active ingredients: The best known are ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, but also include norfloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and delafloxacin.

Broad spectrum antibiotics: These antibiotics work against many different types of bacteria, which is why they can be used massive infections

: Sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, kidney infection, ear infection, skin infection, etc. This is what medicine calls a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Due to its non-specific effects Fights a variety of bacteria, Its use should be reserved for specific situations, as its indiscriminate use encourages the emergence of Bacteria become resistant to antibioticsIt is one of the most concerning issues in medicine around the world.

In addition to this problem, there is a dark side to these antibiotics, which is that they can produce a range of rare but very serious adverse effects. Recently the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a reminder to health professionals and patients themselves about Risks and Scenarios of These Antibiotics They should not be specified therein.

Risks of Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin…and Other Drugs

Adverse reactions associated with fluoroquinolones, although rare or of unknown frequency, are serious, potentially disabling, and In some irreversible situations:

Tendon inflammation or rupture may occur 48 hours after antibiotics are started, and A few months after completing treatment; Joint pain, muscle pain, Gait disturbances, tingling, stinging, pins and needles, burning sensations, depression, fatigue, memory problems, insomnia, visual, taste, smell, and hearing impairments.

increased risk Aortic aneurysm and dissection.

increased risk Valvular insufficiency and cardiac regurgitation.

The people most likely to suffer from these adverse effects are Over 60 years old.

those who once had transplant.

people undergoing treatment Corticosteroid medications.

who has Kidney problems.

The patient suffers from family background People who have an aneurysm or have had an aneurysm or aortic dissection in the past or have any precipitating disease.

People with heart valve problems, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, or infective endocarditis.

Attention warning signs

If your doctor prescribes antibiotics from this family, you should be alert for any symptoms that indicate possible damage: If so, you should Stop taking antibiotics and go immediately to doctor or emergency.

These signs are: Severe pain and swelling in your heels or other parts of your body.Those most affected by fluoroquinolones are Achilles tendon, But it’s not the only one.

Feel Pins and needles, tingling, tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness in the arms or legs.

difficulty Walking, feeling tired or depressed, memory problems, sleeping problems, changes in vision, hearing, taste, or smell.

suddenly appeared severe pain Symptoms in the abdomen, chest, or back may be symptoms of an aortic aneurysm.
If chest pain worsens with exercise and disappears at rest, shortness of breathswelling Ankles or abdomen, fatigue, heart palpitations, or dry cough… these symptoms may indicate damage to the heart valves.

When encountering any of these signs, especially the last one, you must go to emergency room. If you have ever suffered any serious adverse effects from taking this family of antibiotics, Tell your doctor.

usage restrictions

Fluoroquinolones are essential antibiotics Used to treat serious infections. But in cases of mild or moderate infections, there was no improvement in effectiveness compared with other antibiotics.

Considering the potential risk of serious adverse effects, EMA’s advice to professionals

sanitary area Do not prescribe these antibiotics:

treat mild infection Or resolve on their own (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute bronchitis…).

Treat infection mild to moderate (cystitis, sinusitis, otitis media, etc.) unless other antibiotics cannot be used.

to treat patients who are suffering Have had serious side effects in the past After taking fluoroquinolones.

All of these warnings and a few others are noted on the flyer.always recommended read flyer effects of drugs, but when it comes to possible Such serious side effectsbecause if you know in advance the signs or symptoms of possible side effects from taking your medication, you will be able to take prompt action and go to the emergency room.