On July 15th, the FDA issued a warning that some antibiotics, Cipro being an example, should not be prescribed for urinary tract infections unless there are no other options.

The FDA’s new “black box” warnings apply to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, a class that includes Johnson & Johnson’s Levaquin, Bayer drug Cipro, Merck & Co.’s Avelox and other brands, as well as generics.

The class of meds already carries a boxed warning that the drugs increase the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture–added to the label in 2008–and cautionary language about the risk of serious nerve damage.

A snippet from the official FDA Report states the following:

“Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics that kill or stop the growth of bacteria. While these drugs are effective in treating serious bacterial infections, an FDA safety review found that both oral and injectable fluroquinolones are associated with disabling side effects involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and the central nervous system. These side effects can occur hours to weeks after exposure to fluoroquinolones and may potentially be permanent.”

The report further states:

“Because the risk of these serious side effects generally outweighs the benefits for patients with acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, the FDA has determined that fluoroquinolones should be reserved for use in patients with these conditions who have no alternative treatment options. For some serious bacterial infections, including anthrax, plague and bacterial pneumonia among others, the benefits of fluoroquinolones outweigh the risks and it is appropriate for them to remain available as a therapeutic option.”

Read more here.