FDA Says Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics Can Cause Aortic Tears, Ruptures

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, marketed under various brand names, including Cipro, Factive, Levaquin and Avelox, can increase the occurrence of ruptures or tears in the aorta.

In a Dec. 20 safety communication, the agency says the ruptures and tears can occur with fluoroquinolones for systemic use given by mouth or through an injection.

Health care professionals should avoid prescribing the drugs to patients who have an aortic aneurysm or are at risk for an aortic aneurysm, the FDA says, such as patients with peripheral atherosclerotic vascular diseases, hypertension, certain genetic …