Unfortunately, aortic dissection could be a serious and life-threatening side effect associated with using certain kinds of antibiotics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including Cipro, have been connected to a higher risk of aortic dissection.

Concerns have grown in the medical community about the many impacts of overprescribing these drugs, but now there are questions about the serious side effects that are associated with certain types of medicines.

One of those side effects is known as aortic dissection, a serious and dangerous cardiovascular impact that requires immediate hospitalization. Aortic dissection is a condition in which the inner layer of the body’s largest artery tears, allowing blood to seep between the layers of the aortic wall.

Patients may also be at risk for aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the wall of the aorta.

Other medications falling under the umbrella of fluoroquinolone antibiotics include Levaquin, Noroxin, Avelox, and Floxin. The concerns over the possibility of aortic dissection have increased in recent years for those patients receiving popularly prescribed antibiotics.

In a new communication, the FDA says that some patients already possess risk factors for fatal heart damage or aortic dissection and should not be given these fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can raise the risk of aortic dissection, referring to serious ruptures or tears in the main artery of the body, known as the aorta.

These ruptures of an aortic aneurysm can cause severe bleeding or even death. Any patients who are at increased risk, according to the FDA, should not be given these fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Cipro unless no other treatment options are currently available.

Those people who have an increased risk include those who have a history of aneurysms or blockages of blood vessels. certain genetic disorders associated with blood vessel changes, or high blood pressure. Advanced age is also a risk factor for aortic dissection.

The new risk guidance developed by the FDA about the dangers of possible aortic dissection will be added to the labels and prescription information now provided with certain fluoroquinolone drugs.

Fluoroquinolones have been linked to other severe side effects, including problems with the nerves, joints, tendons, muscles and the central nervous system. The FDA has already warned that because of the risk of these side effects,  these medications should only be used when deemed medically necessary.

Any patient who begins to experience the symptoms of aortic dissection is encouraged to get medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of life-threatening aortic dissection include severe, sudden and constant pain throughout the chest, back or stomach. Anyone who already has heart disease, high blood pressure or who has a thinning of the artery walls should address these issues with their physician immediately and discuss options before accepting fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Cipro.

Some patients who have already been seriously injured because of fluoroquinolone antibiotics have chosen to take legal action against the manufacturers for alleged failure to warn about the problems. Patients allege that they were not properly warned about the risks of suffering an aortic dissection before they were prescribed Cipro or other fluoroquinolones.