Final answer:
Fluoroquinolones carry risks such as tendon damage, central nervous system effects, gut flora disruption, and potentially serious cardiac issues, leading to suggestions of more restricted future use to mitigate harm and antibiotic resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics known for their broad-spectrum activity against various bacteria. However, research has highlighted several negative effects associated with their use. Notable concerns include the risk of tendon damage and rupture, potential central nervous system side effects like confusion and seizures, and the disruption of the normal gut flora, possibly leading to conditions such as Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea.
Further concerns are the potential for cardiac issues, such as QT interval prolongation, which can lead to serious heart arrhythmias, and the exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder. Given these risks, the future use of fluoroquinolones may become more restricted, with recommendations to use them only when other, safer antibiotics are ineffective or inappropriate. This approach to antibiotic stewardship aims to minimize harm to patients while also reducing the likelihood of antibiotic resistance development.