Fluoroquinolones for the treatment of outpatient community-acquired pneumonia.
The increasing prevalence of beta-lactam and macrolide resistance in bacteria that cause respiratory infections has underscored the need for effective antimicrobial agents. The broad spectrum, excellent oral bioavailability, and once-daily dosing of fluoroquinolones contributed to the introduction of several new agents in the past decade. This class is among the world's most used antimicrobial therapies in community and hospital settings. Fluoroquinolones are generally well tolerated, but safety profiles differ widely among agents. Knowledge of in vitro activity, local microbiologic susceptibility and resistance patterns, adverse effects, and potential drug interactions should influence the selection of the best agent for individual patients. This overview of the fluoroquinolones directs particular attention to use in community-acquired pneumonia and safety.
Jones
Ronald N
RN
The JONES Group/JMI Laboratories, North Liberty, Iowa, USA. ronald-jones@jmilabs.com
Mandell
Lionel A
LA
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002170:Canada; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones