The Food and Drug Administration issued a safety announcement Thursday, stating "serious side effects" associated with fluoroquinolone antibiotics "generally outweigh the benefits" for patients with certain infections.
The federal agency said healthcare professionals should restrict the use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics for patients with sinusitis, bronchitis and uncomplicated urinary tract infections unless no other treatment options are available.
After the FDA reviewed the antibiotic, it found it is associated with disabling and possibly permanent side effects involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and the central nervous system.
In addition to the safety announcement, the FDA is now also requiring labeling changes for fluoroquinolones to reflect new information on the possible side effects.