The Doctors discuss whether taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics can have adverse side effects on your health.
Fluoroquinolones are commonly used to treat a variety of illnesses, including respiratory infections and septic shock. But now, some doctors have reportedly decided that this classification of antibiotics should only be used for very specific situations. Some doctors have said that patients taking this type of antibiotic have experienced nerve damage, irregular heartbeat, depression, and seizures.
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Currently, The FDA is advising to use this type of antibiotic only as a last resort, but fluoroquinolones are still often prescribed for minor infections.
ER physician Dr. Travis Stork notes that the great majority of people who have taken this type of antibiotic have not had problems. Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon says he has prescribed these over the years and even taken them himself. He shares that he did feel some tendon and muscular irritation while taking, but say it subsided when he stopped taking the medications.
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OB/GYN Dr. Nita Landry feels this story is a helpful reminder that a virus should not be treated with an antibiotic. "There is a place for antibiotics and even these antibiotics can be appropriate in particular situations," she says, noting that many times an antibiotic is not the solution to your ailment.
Dr. Travis urges everyone that when they are prescribed an antibiotic to ask your healthcare provider what the medication is being used for and if it is needed.
