Alternatives to fluoroquinolones
Alternatives to fluoroquinolones are usually offered by other antibiotics. For example, antibiotic agents such as penicillins and cephalosporins are often used to treat bacterial infections. An exact effectiveness of the various substances can be seen from the antibiogram.In this process, bacteria extracted from the body are cultured in a so-called culture, after which typical antibiotics are tested for their effectiveness on precisely these bacteria.
After this test, a statement can be made about which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to (they can be treated with these antibiotics) and to which they are resistant. This sensitivity and resistance is shown in the antibiogram. Therefore, alternative active substances can be read off the antibiogram after a few days.
Can I take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Most fluoroquinolones should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation. One reason for this is that there is insufficient data on whether fluoroquinolones can harm the unborn or breastfed child. In some cases, however, there are also data available that indicate possible damage, so the newer fluoroquinolones are not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Only fluoroquinolones from the first group, such as norfloxacin, can be taken during the breastfeeding period after a detailed consideration of the benefits and risks. They are also not recommended during pregnancy.
Effectiveness of the pill
Due to common metabolic processes of fluoroquinolones and the pill, taking the medication at the same time can lead to a reduced effectiveness of the pill. Not all types of fluoroquinolones have been tested with the various pills available on the market. However, in some trials there have been interactions with reduced effectiveness of the pill. Therefore it should be assumed that the effectiveness of the pill is reduced when fluoroquinolones are taken at the same time.
All articles in this series:
