Health authorities on Thursday warned that certain antibiotics can cause painful and potentially deadly damage to the main artery of the body.

Citing findings of the latest research that reviewed studies between 2015 and 2018, the FDA said that fluoroquinolone antibiotics may raise the risk of aortic aneurysm, and cautioned people about taking these antibiotics.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been used for more than 30 years to treat certain bacterial infections. Doctors prescribe them to patients with serious respiratory infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, the plague, and those exposed to anthrax.

The antibiotic works by stopping or killing the growth of bacteria that can cause illnesses, that if left untreated, can spread and lead to serious health problems.

The antibiotics are sold under the names levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), and ofloxacin (Floxin).

The FDA, however, said that the benefits of using fluoroquinolone antibiotics may not outweigh the risk.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics Raise Risk For Aortic Dissections

The review found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics can raise the occurrence of ruptures or tears in the aorta, the main artery of the body. These tears, known as aortic dissections or ruptures of an aortic aneurysm, may lead to dangerous bleeding and even death.

Based on the findings, FDA now recommends that the drug should not be used in patients who have increased risk for aortic dissections unless no other treatment option is available.

At-risk patients include those with a history of blockages or aneurysm of the aorta or other blood vessels, genetic conditions that involve changes in the blood vessels, high blood pressure, and the elderly.

The FDA now also requires that a new warning about this risk be added to prescribing information and patient Medication Guide for fluoroquinolones.

"Because multiple studies showed higher rates of about twice the risk of aortic aneurysm rupture and dissection in those taking fluoroquinolones, FDA determined the warnings were warranted to alert health care professionals and patients," the FDA said.