Can the antibiotic Citrofloxacin trig... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Can the antibiotic Citrofloxacin trigger AF? Anyone any experience/advice?

Frustrated12 profile image
14 Replies

Well, it never rains but it pours! (northern saying). I have bronchiectasis and consequently what was thought as a flare up has also revealed a pseudonymous. The antibiotic prescribed for this is citrofloxacin which is a heavy class two drug.

I've read that it can trigger AF which I already have but has been in sinus mode since first episode diagnosed in A&E. I'm really worried it will be trigger it off. Anyone any experience of this happening or any advice welcomed.

Big thank you.

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Frustrated12
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14 Replies
Finvola profile image
Finvola

As you say, this is a heavy antibiotic with side effects. One of our members, Auriculaire has had experiences with it and posted about six months ago. I hope she sees your post and I’ll try to find her comments if I can.

Finvola profile image
Finvola in reply to Finvola

Here’s a link to a recent discussion about problems with Ciprofloxacin to which auriculaire responded.

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

Frustrated12 profile image
Frustrated12 in reply to Finvola

Thanks for that Finvola. Its five hours since took first tablet and awoke with pain in right tendon.Hoping it goes no further than pain. I don't think I will be taking the second tablet but am left with the problem of stopping but being left with pseudonymous in lung. And I gather citro is about the only cure. Gosh, what a mess. But thanks for the information,

very thoughtful.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to Frustrated12

You need to stop. Even the patient leaflets say that at the first sign of tendonitis you should stop the medication and consult a doctor. You are risking tendon rupture if you continue. Tendon pain after one tablet only is bad. How many times have you taken Cipro before?

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire

Yes. Cipro can trigger afib thoug the arrythmia mentioned in the patient leaflet is QT prolongation which can be lethal if it results in a condition called "torsades de points". The latest EMA guidelines counsel against using Cipro for respiratoty infections unless no other antibiotic will work. Apart from afib you risk being "floxed " which I can assure you is no fun. Cipro and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics can ruin your health and your life. My mother had bronchiectasis. I suspect she was floxed to death. Is their no other antibiotic that will deal with the pseudomonas?

EngMac profile image
EngMac in reply to Auriculaire

Search FDA and Cipro. They keep adding bulletins. I believe it negatively affects me, especially tendons. Unfortunately, after six years I stupidly took it as a result of cataract surgery. I did stop it after a week of drops. But now I have a serious respiratory infection and my AF is much worse.

Frustrated12 profile image
Frustrated12 in reply to EngMac

Thank you EngMac for the information. Hope you soon have an improvement. Life certainly can be a minefield when we are not well.

Frustrated12 profile image
Frustrated12 in reply to Auriculaire

Wow. It gets worse, the more I learn about this antibiotic. Thank you for replying.

Frustrated12 profile image
Frustrated12 in reply to Auriculaire

Thanks Auriculaire for both replies. I did in fact stop after one tablet and saw my GP who said it was the right thing to do. Problem now is what antibiotic is left as GP says she can't administer anything equally as strong and must be done intravenously at a hospital.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to Frustrated12

That is incovenient but better than risking having your health totally ruined . There are unfortunately lots of poor sods who under similar circumstances have been told by their doctors to continue the course and have ended up in wheelchairs or bedbound. You are lucky you have a doctor who is aware of the problems with FQs. You might want to consider taking the supplement N acetyl cysteine when your infection is gone. This is vey good for both lung health ( it fluidifies secretions) and also supports the immune system to help stop you getting infections in the first place. I have been taking it for 3 years and never had a cold or cough since starting it.

SRMGrandma profile image
SRMGrandmaVolunteer

Cipro is a heavy antibiotic but the thing to remember is that any infection, especially of the lungs, is a big trigger for AFib. Clearing the infection is the number one priority. AFib is often a reflection of one's overall health so getting back to healthy is super important. Hopefully no bad side effects from the antibiotic.

Frustrated12 profile image
Frustrated12 in reply to SRMGrandma

Thanks for the reply. Seems a case of weighing risks against benefits.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to SRMGrandma

If one dose is triggering tendon pain ( as Frustrated reported) you are getting side effects. Even the patient leaflets warn to stop if this happens as the risk of tendon rupture is real. Cipro also can trigger afib.

Frustrated12 profile image
Frustrated12

Thanks Auriculaire.

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