Tag: First line therapy

Over the last several decades, major cardiovascular guidelines have shifted away from recommending beta-blockers as the universal first-line therapy for uncomplicated hypertension, a key reason why are beta blockers not preferred. While highly effective for specific conditions, their comparative limitations in stroke prevention and prevalence of metabolic side effects have prompted a re-evaluation of their role in standard practice.

Recent guidelines, such as the 2025 recommendations from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC), have refined and clarified the approach to determining **which antihypertensive is first-line**. The decision to initiate specific medication therapy is a nuanced process based on a patient's individual health status, comorbidities, and the severity of their condition.

For decades, nitrofurantoin has been a standard for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), and new guidelines have reaffirmed its status as a preferred first-line therapy due to rising antimicrobial resistance. Understanding if **is nitrofurantoin a strong antibiotic** hinges on appreciating its specific mechanism and targeted efficacy.

In 2016, the FDA issued a safety communication advising against the use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Cipro for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), citing serious and potentially permanent side effects. This has led to a shift towards safer and more targeted alternatives when considering what is better than Cipro for UTI.