Abstracts by keywords: fluoroquinolones
For years it has been reported worldwide that antibiotics from the fluoroquinolones group are associated with serious and sometimes irreversible risks for patients. In comparison, these antibiotics in particular are prescribed very frequently in Germany. According to calculations by the AOK Scientific Institute (WIdO) based on prescription data from AOK insured persons, these drugs were prescribed to 3.3 million patients in Germany in 2018 alone - still too often given the fact that fluoroquinolones are are reserve antibiotics. For many indications, highly effective and at the same time lower-risk substances are available. In the case of minor illnesses such as uncomplicated urinary tract or simple respiratory tract infections, the use of antibiotics can be avoided entirely. Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics whose active ingredient name ends in “-floxacin”, such as ciprofloxacin (trade name, e.g. “Ciprobay”) or levofloxacin (trade name, e.g. “Tavanic”). They have antibacterial properties and can cure serious, life-threatening infections. However, in a few cases they cause serious and long-lasting side effects such as tendon ruptures or psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, these reserve antibiotics should only be used after a thorough benefit-risk assessment and only as a last-line treatment option (so-called last-line use). Patients must be intensively informed about the dangers and alternatives of these medications and receive targeted support in the event of damage.