Is fluoroquinolone use controversial.

INTRODUCTION: Fluoroquinolones have been in clinical use for more than 40 years and have benefitted hundreds of millions of patients in both hospital and community settings. AREAS COVERED: Black box or prominent safety warnings from regulating agencies about rare but serious adverse events has mandated a rethinking about when and where to use these antimicrobial agents. Additionally, the critical role of some fluoroquinolones for treatment of Mycobacteria tuberculosis (TB) infection raises concerns about their use for mild community acquired infections. Regardless, fluoroquinolones remain entrenched in a broad range of infectious diseases treatment guidelines, including tuberculosis, and are integral agents in antimicrobial stewardship programs. EXPERT OPINION: Fluoroquinolones are essential agents for treating infectious diseases and appropriate use of these important drugs, along with all of the antimicrobial drug classes remains of paramount importance.