AIIMS Raipur Urologist Warns: This Commonly Prescribed Antibiotic Could Do More Harm Than Good

In the era of modern medicine, antibiotics are often viewed as miracle drugs – capable of curing infections that once claimed millions of lives. However, experts are increasingly sounding the alarm about their misuse and overprescription. One such voice of caution comes from AIIMS Raipur urologist Dr. Parwez Alam, who warns that the careless use of certain commonly prescribed antibiotics, especially fluoroquinolones, can cause severe and lasting side effects that may outweigh their benefits in many cases.

Antibiotics: A Double-Edged Sword

Antibiotics revolutionized medicine by giving doctors the power to control bacterial infections. But as Dr. Alam explains, their misuse has transformed this medical boon into a growing health concern.

“Antibiotics should be used only when necessary and for the right indication. Unfortunately, many patients – and sometimes even doctors – tend to prescribe them without confirming bacterial infection. This practice can lead to resistance and serious adverse effects,” Dr. Alam warns.

Fluoroquinolones, a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that includes ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and ofloxacin, are among the most widely prescribed drugs for urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses. However, growing evidence shows that these antibiotics can cause irreversible side effects if not used judiciously.

Why Fluoroquinolones Are So Popular

Fluoroquinolones became popular due to their effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria and their convenient oral dosage. They are often prescribed for urinary tract infections, prostatitis, pneumonia, and even traveler’s diarrhea. Many patients find them effective and fast-acting – which makes them a go-to choice in both hospitals and clinics.

However, Dr. Alam emphasizes that this convenience can be deceptive:

“Just because a medicine works quickly doesn’t mean it’s always safe. These antibiotics can be lifesaving in certain cases, but if misused, they can lead to severe harm.”

Serious and Sometimes Permanent Side Effects

According to studies and global safety alerts issued by the U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency, fluoroquinolones can cause tendon rupture, nerve damage, psychiatric disturbances, and heart rhythm problems.

Dr. Alam elaborates, “We’ve seen patients developing Achilles tendon injuries or severe muscle pain shortly after taking these drugs. Some even experience numbness, tingling, or weakness due to nerve damage. These effects can persist long after stopping the medication.”

Common and Serious Side Effects Include:

• Tendon rupture or inflammation (especially in older adults or those using steroids)
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage leading to pain or weakness)
• Heart rhythm irregularities (QT prolongation, leading to arrhythmia)
• Mood or behavioral changes, including anxiety, confusion, or depression
• Blood sugar disturbances, particularly in diabetic patients

Urologist’s Perspective: Not All UTIs Need Strong Antibiotics

UTIs are among the most common reasons people visit a urologist, and fluoroquinolones are often prescribed even when unnecessary. Dr. Alam highlights that not every urinary infection requires a strong antibiotic.

“For simple urinary infections, we have safer options like nitrofurantoin or fosfomycin. But many patients insist on getting ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin because they’ve heard it works faster. This self-demand and overprescription are what lead to bigger problems – both for the individual and public health.”

He explains that the overuse of powerful antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a situation where bacteria evolve to survive even the strongest drugs. This means that in the future, common infections could once again become deadly because antibiotics stop working.

Antimicrobial Resistance: A Silent Global Crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called antimicrobial resistance one of the top 10 global public health threats. India, in particular, faces a serious challenge due to the over-the-counter availability of antibiotics and lack of awareness about proper use.

“Resistant infections are already causing longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and more deaths,” says Dr. Alam. “If we continue using antibiotics indiscriminately, we’ll soon return to a pre-antibiotic era, where minor infections could become fatal.”

The misuse isn’t limited to patients. Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed as a precaution – without laboratory evidence of bacterial infection – simply to “be safe.” But this practice increases the risk of both side effects and resistance.

Safe Use and Doctor’s Advice

Dr. Alam offers the following guidelines for patients and Healthcare professionals:

• Avoid self-medication: Never take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
• Get tested: Confirm bacterial infection before starting antibiotics.
• Follow dosage and duration strictly: Stopping early or extending treatment unnecessarily can both be harmful.

“Antibiotics are not painkillers or fever medicines,” Dr. Alam stresses. “They are powerful drugs meant to be used carefully, and their misuse affects not only the patient but the community as a whole.”

When Fluoroquinolones Are Still Necessary

Despite their risks, fluoroquinolones still have a role in modern medicine. They are crucial in treating serious bacterial infections such as complicated UTIs, kidney infections, certain types of pneumonia, and infections resistant to other antibiotics.

The key, according to Dr. Alam, is careful selection and monitoring. “When used appropriately under medical supervision, fluoroquinolones can be very effective. The problem arises when they are given for mild infections or used repeatedly without proper indication.”

Public Awareness: The Need of the Hour

Experts like Dr. Alam believe that public education is essential. Awareness campaigns should teach people that antibiotics are not a universal remedy and that their misuse has long-term consequences.

Educational efforts by institutions like AIIMS Raipur aim to empower patients to make informed decisions and encourage doctors to follow antibiotic stewardship protocols.

Conclusion

Antibiotics have saved countless lives, but their misuse is silently eroding their power. As AIIMS Raipur urologist Dr. Parwez Alam warns, the commonly prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotics – once considered safe and versatile – can cause more harm than good if used indiscriminately.

His message is clear: think twice before popping an antibiotic pill. What seems like a quick cure could lead to lasting damage or contribute to a future where infections become untreatable. Responsible use, medical guidance, and awareness are our best defenses in preserving the effectiveness of these life-saving drugs.