Although generally safe, the antimicrobial drug ciprofloxacin, which has been purchased in large amounts by the US and several other national governments, is associated with tendon ruptures and neuropsychiatric disorders, and in most countries it is not licensed for use in pregnancy or children, say the authors. Furthermore, it’s value has already been compromised by the development of resistance following over-use. We cannot exclude the possibility of the development of resistance in the anthrax bacterium, they write.
“The important thing is to ensure that prophylaxis is given only to those who really need it and discourage mass usage by an understandably alarmed public. To induce antimicrobial resistance on a mass scale would be an even greater triumph for the terrorists, they conclude.”
Prophylactic treatment of anthrax with antibiotics BMJ Volume 323, pp 1017-8