Which class of antibiotic is associated with cartilage toxicity and rupture of the Achilles tendon?

A. Headaches:

Headaches are a common symptom that can occur for various reasons, including stress, tension, dehydration, or as a side effect of medications. While headaches can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain drugs, they are not specific indicators of a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to medications typically involve other symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.

B. Hives or shortness of breath:

Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts on the skin that can occur as an allergic reaction to medications. They are a common manifestation of drug allergies. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) can occur as part of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. Both hives and shortness of breath are significant signs of a potential drug allergy and require immediate attention.

C. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of medications, including antibiotics. However, it is not typically a specific indicator of a drug allergy. Diarrhea is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal disturbances or as a reaction to changes in gut flora due to antibiotic use.

D. Nausea:

Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including antibiotics. While it can be bothersome, nausea alone is not a specific indicator of a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to medications typically involve other symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.

A. The herbal product must contain only one active ingredient:

This statement is not a legal requirement contained in DSHEA. Many dietary supplements contain multiple active ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other substances. DSHEA does not mandate that dietary supplements contain only one active ingredient.

B. Effectiveness must be demonstrated by the manufacturer:

DSHEA does not require manufacturers to demonstrate the effectiveness of dietary supplements before marketing. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which must undergo premarket approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate safety and efficacy, dietary supplements do not need to prove effectiveness to be marketed. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products and making truthful claims on product labels.

C. Dietary supplements must state that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease:

This statement accurately reflects a legal requirement contained in DSHEA. Under DSHEA, dietary supplement labels must include a disclaimer stating that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This disclaimer helps to clarify that dietary supplements are intended to support general health and well-being rather than to treat specific diseases or medical conditions.

D. Dietary supplements must be tested for safety prior to marketing:

While DSHEA requires manufacturers to ensure the safety of their dietary supplements, it does not mandate standardized premarket testing for safety by regulatory authorities. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for conducting safety assessments and ensuring that their products are safe for consumers. The FDA may take action against manufacturers if a product is found to be unsafe or if it violates regulatory requirements, but premarket testing is not a specific legal requirement under DSHEA.