The Legacy of Bobby Caldwell: Antibiotics, Songwriting, Sampling, and Gratitude.
R&B singer Bobby Caldwell died after experiencing several years of health problems associated with taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, something referred to as being “floxed.” Fluoroquinolones refer to a class of antibiotic medications that includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and moxifloxacin (Avelox). They’re among the most widely prescribed antibiotic drugs in the US. Although all drugs have potential side effects, these seem to be different in their sheer variety and severity. Since fluoroquinolones were first introduced in the 1970s, problems have included cases of tendonitis, a swelling of tendons that can lead to ruptures; headaches and rashes; aortic aneurysms, which can be life-threatening; neuropathy, a type of nerve damage; high blood sugar; and anxiety.