For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that there is a connection between heart problems and commonly prescribed antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones. The greatest risk during their use and 30 days after use, as the researchers in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports.

So-called fluoroquinolones, such as Ciprofloxacin can increase the risk for the development of aortic and mitral insufficiency, when the blood flows back into the heart. Patients who had taken Ciprofloxacin, had used a 2.4-fold higher risk for these heart problems compared with patients Amoxicillin or another antibiotic. During the application of the risk was highest, and it remained also after the 30 days is increased.

Many Doctors prefer to fluoroquinolones because of their broad spectrum of action. "In most cases, they are not needed but really. The inappropriate prescription may be resistance to both antibiotics as well as serious heart problems can cause,” says study author Prof. Mahyar Etminan. The researchers hope that the results Doctors to consider other classes of Antibiotics as a first line Option for uncomplicated infections into consideration. Your study will also help to inform the Public and Physicians that patients with heart problems, for which no other cause was discovered, may fluoroquinolone antibiotics are behind this.

It has long been known that fluoroquinolones can cause severe side effects. To permanent damage to the Tendons, muscles, joints and the nervous system, among others. As a result, the European medicines Agency and the Federal Institute for drugs and medical devices in the spring of 2019 had been informed that fluoroquinolones should only be prescribed in severe infections for which other medicines are available (aponet.de reported). ZOU