title: Topical fluoroquinolones for eye and ear.
abstract: Topical fluoroquinolones are now available for use in the eye and ear. Their broad spectrum of activity includes the common eye and ear pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For the treatment of acute otitis externa, these agents are as effective as previously available otic preparations. For the treatment of otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation, topical fluoroquinolones are effective and safe. These preparations are approved for use in children, and lack of ototoxicity permits prolonged administration when necessary. Topical fluoroquinolones are not appropriate for the treatment of uncomplicated conjunctivitis where narrower spectrum agents suffice; they represent a simplified regimen for the treatment of bacterial keratitis (corneal ulcers). When administered topically, fluoroquinolones are well tolerated and offer convenient dosing schedules. Currently, bacterial resistance appears limited.
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA. NancyMorden@compuserve.com
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Morden
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Berke
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000188:drug therapy; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones