‘Stop dishing out common antibiotic’, doctors told after warnings over suicide risk and ‘irreversible’ harm

DOCTORS have been told to stop routinely dishing out common antibiotics over life-threatening risks.

Fluoroquinolones, used to treat common bugs like urinary tract infections (UTIs), have been linked to "irreversible" harm.

Medics must now only prescribe the medicines to patients once all alternative antibiotics are ruled out.

In September, health chiefs warned people who took the drugs were at increased risk of mental health issues.

The warning came after a recently retired GP, with no history of depression, took his own life after being treated with a fluoroquinolone called ciprofloxacin.

The medicines have also been associated with disabling and potentially permanent damage to the tendons, muscles, joints, and nerves.

Doctors commonly prescribe the broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), conjunctivitis and ear infections.

Examples of fluoroquinolones include levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin.

Dr Alison Cave, at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: "We have listened to the experience of patients regarding long-lasting and potentially irreversible adverse reactions following use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, in some cases prescribed for mild-to-moderate infections. 

"We recognise fully the importance of limiting the use of these medicines.

"That’s why, from today, fluoroquinolones should only be prescribed when usage of other antibiotics is inappropriate. 

"Fluoroquinolone use should be discontinued at the first signs of a serious adverse reaction."

She said patients taking the drugs "should carefully read the advice in the patient information leaflet about possible adverse reactions".

Patient leaflets found in the medicine boxes suggested an increased risk of suicidal thoughts associated with the use of fluoroquinolones.

Dr Alison added that patients should "seek immediate medical advice" if they experience side effects relating to tendons, muscles, joints, nerves or mental health."

The NHS says only a "small number" of patients will experience side effects which are "long-lasting or permanent".