As per a new study, in medical offices and emergency departments, about five per cent of all fluoroquinolones prescribed for adults are completely unnecessary. About 20 per cent of all fluoroquinolone prescriptions don’t adhere to recommendations about their use as a first-line therapy. The study also indicates that fluoroquinolones are commonly prescribed for conditions when antibiotics are not needed at all.
Based on the FDA's warning, fluoroquinolones should only be used in patients with acute bacterial sinusitis and bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, or uncomplicated urinary tract infections in the absence of other treatment options. Prescribing the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and at the right time helps optimize patient care and fight antibiotic resistance.