Fluoroquinolones in paediatrics

Hasan S. Jafri, George H. McCracken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fluoroquinolones have a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and mycobacterial organisms as well as anaerobes, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Ureaplasma, and Legionella spp. They have excellent oral bioavailability, with good tissue penetration, and long elimination half-lives. The experience with fluoroquinolones in paediatrics has been limited because of concerns about arthropathy, based on findings in animal models. However, there has not been a definitive fluoroquinolone-associated case of arthropathy described in the literature. We believe that there are a number of specific paediatric infections in which the clinical efficacy and tolerability of the fluoroquinolones should be further investigated. These include patients with cystic fibrosis who have repeated infections with Pseudomonas spp., patients with pseudomonal and other Gram-negative infections such as urinary tract infections and osteomyelitis, and febrile neutropenic patients. Meningeal infections caused by multiple drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and Gram-negative organisms, gastroenteritis due to enteric pathogens, and mycobacterial infections are other potential conditions where fluoroquinolones should be studied in paediatric patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)43-48
Number of pages6
JournalDrugs
Volume58
Issue numberSUPPL. 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology (medical)

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