Antibiotics are commonly prescribed drugs that kill bacteria or halt their growth. However, despite their numerous health benefits, some antibiotics may have side effects that put your heart health at risk.

In this article, we discuss 30 antibiotics that pose a threat to heart attack and stroke.

1. Azithromycin

Azithromycin is a common antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, sinusitis, and skin infections.

Studies indicate that the use of azithromycin within the first five days of treatment increases the risk of cardiovascular death in elderly people, those with heart problems, and those taking certain medications.

2. Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that treats infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and skin infections.

Research suggests that clarithromycin may increase the risk of heart attack in people taking certain medications or those with underlying heart problems.

3. Erythromycin

Erythromycin is a commonly used antibiotic to treat respiratory and skin infections.

Like azithromycin and clarithromycin, erythromycin has been associated with an increased risk of heart attack and sudden death in people with certain cardiovascular conditions or who are taking certain medications.

4. Levofloxacin

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

Research suggests that levofloxacin may increase the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection, a life-threatening condition whereby the aorta bursts or ruptures.

5. Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections.

Studies indicate that ciprofloxacin may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.

6. Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as acne, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections.

Although rare, use of doxycycline has been associated with the development of intracranial hypertension, a condition that can lead to headaches, vision loss, and potential brain damage.

7. Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, acne, and urinary tract infections.

The use of tetracycline has been associated with an increased risk of intracranial hypertension, especially in women aged between 15 and 50 years old.

8. Amoxicillin/clavulanate

Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a combination antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections.

Studies indicate that amoxicillin/clavulanate may increase the risk of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that can cause breathing difficulty and low blood pressure.

9. Ampicillin

Ampicillin is a commonly used penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections of the urinary tract.

Research suggests that ampicillin may increase the risk of anaphylaxis, especially in people with a history of antibiotic allergies.

10. Augmentin

Augmentin is a combination antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

Like amoxicillin/clavulanate, Augmentin has been associated with an increased risk of anaphylaxis.

11. Linezolid

Linezolid is an antibiotic used to treat skin infections, pneumonia, and other bacterial infections.

However, studies suggest that linezolid may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a condition that occurs when levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin are too high.

12. Vancomycin

Vancomycin is a potent antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections such as MRSA and C. difficile.

Although rare, vancomycin has been associated with an increased risk of anaphylaxis and red man syndrome, a reaction characterized by redness and itching of the skin.

13. Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

However, research suggests that ceftriaxone may increase the risk of gallstones, especially in people with preexisting liver conditions.

14. Penicillin V

Penicillin V, also known as phenoxymethylpenicillin, is a commonly used antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat and skin infections.

Like other penicillin antibiotics, penicillin V may trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals.

15. Clindamycin

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as oral and dental infections, skin infections, and bone infections.

However, like other antibiotics, clindamycin may increase the risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions.

16. Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis.

Research indicates that metronidazole may increase the risk of seizures and peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder that affects the hands, feet, and legs.

17. Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections caused by bacteria.

Although rare, use of nitrofurantoin may increase the risk of pulmonary fibrosis, a condition characterized by scarring of the lung tissue that can cause breathing difficulty and other symptoms.

18. Rifampin

Rifampin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and meningitis. However, use of rifampin may increase the risk of liver damage, especially in people with preexisting liver conditions.

19. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, also known as co-trimoxazole, is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections.

However, use of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim may increase the risk of anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and other allergic reactions.

20. Chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as meningitis and typhoid fever.

However, use of chloramphenicol may increase the risk of aplastic anemia, a rare condition that occurs when the bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

21. Gentamicin

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections such as sepsis and pneumonia. However, use of gentamicin may increase the risk of kidney damage and hearing loss.

22. Neomycin

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as gastroenteritis and hepatic encephalopathy. However, like other aminoglycosides, use of neomycin may increase the risk of kidney damage and hearing loss.

23. Streptomycin

Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as tuberculosis. However, use of streptomycin may increase the risk of hearing loss and kidney damage.

24. Aztreonam

Aztreonam is a monobactam antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Although rare, use of aztreonam may increase the risk of anaphylaxis.

25. Cefazolin

Cefazolin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as surgical site infections, pneumonia, and skin infections. However, use of cefazolin may increase the risk of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.

26. Cefdinir

Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis, and skin infections. However, use of cefdinir may increase the risk of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal side effects.

27. Cefepime

Cefepime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as febrile neutropenia and sepsis. However, use of cefepime may increase the risk of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.

28. Cefixime

Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as gonorrhea, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. However, use of cefixime may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and nausea.

29. Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. However, use of cefotaxime may increase the risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions.

30. Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. However, use of ceftriaxone may increase the risk of gallstones, especially in people with preexisting liver conditions.

Conclusion

Antibiotics are essential drugs that save lives when used appropriately. However, like all medications, antibiotics can have side effects, some of which are potentially life-threatening.

If you have a preexisting medical condition or take other medications, speak to your doctor before taking antibiotics. Always take antibiotics only as prescribed and never share them with others.