title: Antibiotic precautions in athletes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for bacterial infections in patients of all ages. Athletes who maximally train are at risk for illness and various infections. Routinely used antibiotics have been linked to tendon injuries, cardiac arrhythmias, diarrhea, photosensitivity, cartilage issues, and decreased performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant articles published from 1989 to 2012 obtained through searching MEDLINE and OVID. Also, the Food and Drug Administration website was utilized.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level 3.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The team physician should consider alternative medications in place of the "drug of choice" when adverse drug effects are a concern for an athlete's health or performance. If alternative medications cannot be selected, secondary preventative measures, including sunscreen or probiotics, may be needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physicians choose medications based on a variety of factors to help ensure infection resolution while limiting potential side effects. Extra precautions are indicated when treating athletes with certain antibiotics.
authors: Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Delaware.
authors: Kristopher
authors: K
authors: Fayock
authors: Delaware Orthopedic Specialists, Wilmington, Delaware.
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Voltz
authors: Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Delaware.
authors: Bradley
authors: B
authors: Sandella
authors: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
authors: Jeremy
authors: J
authors: Close
authors: Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Delaware.
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Lunser
authors: Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Delaware.
authors: Joshua
authors: J
authors: Okon
keywords: antibiotic-associated diarrhea; antibiotics; long QT; photosensitivity; tendon injuries