If a runny nose and congested chest make one to think of antibiotics, think again. Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Antibiotics can be lifesavers but its hazards when misused are best avoided.
Azithromycin, a widely used antibiotic for common infections, a new study has found to be deadly for adults with heart problems or are at risk for it. Azithromycin or Zithromax is prescribed for all types of bacterial infections from ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia to sore throat. Though more expensive than other antibiotics, it is popular because it often can be taken for fewer days.
Patients studied were age 50 on average and not hospitalised. Most had common ailments, including sinus infections and bronchitis. Those on Azithromycin were about as healthy as those on other antibiotics, making it unlikely that an underlying condition might explain the increased death risk.
They found that the risk of death while taking the drug was more than double that of patients on another antibiotic, amoxicillin, or those who took none. Also, the highest risks were in Azithromycin patients with existing heart problems.
Much as people already taking Azithromycin would not be asked to stop its use without first consulting with their physicians, Mrs Oduntan assured that FDA has commenced investigating into the possibility of Azithromycin disrupting heart rhythms.
According to her “with such an information that Azithromycin may increase chances of sudden deadly heart problems, it is better that people especially with heart problems, or those predisposed to heart problem such as the diabetics, avoid the use of this antibiotic.”
But Pfizer issued a statement saying it would thoroughly review the study. “Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Pfizer and we continuously monitor the safety and efficacy of our products to ensure that the benefits and risks are accurately described,” the company said.
Experts say that doctors and patients need to know about the potential risks as the results also raise concerns about long-term use of Zithromax, which other research suggests could benefit people with severe lung disease.
Similarly, they stated that the study provided another reason to curb overuse of antibiotics, which are too often prescribed for colds and other viral infections that they cannot treat. The overuse has contributed to the emergence of dangerous, drug-resistant strains of bacteria.
Additional research is needed to determine if its use could be dangerous especially as another research suggested that Azithromycin could benefit people with severe lung disease.
Likewise, a study provided another reason to curb the abuse of tetracycline, another common antibiotics often given to fight bacterial infections such as in the urinary tract and intestines, as well as severe acne and rosacea. It is also used in the treatment of chlamydia.
Researchers reported that male pseudoscorpions, a small scorpion-like arachnid, treated with the antibiotic tetracycline suffer significantly reduced sperm viability and pass this toxic effect on to their untreated sons.
Antibiotic had no effect on male or female body size, sperm number or female reproduction.
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