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Fluoroquinolones in pediatrics and their nephrotoxicity in adults: minireview
1Pediatric Department, University of Verona, Italy. vafanos@tin.it
Insights
Fluoroquinolones show no risk of nephrotoxicity in children for urinary tract infections. Further pharmacokinetic and long-term toxicity studies are needed for these pediatric antibiotic candidates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Increasing pressure to use fluoroquinolones in pediatric patients.
- Limited published data on pediatric fluoroquinolone use and safety.
- Concerns regarding potential nephrotoxicity of fluoroquinolones.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review available pharmacokinetic data of fluoroquinolones in children.
- Evaluate the use of fluoroquinolones in pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Assess the risk of quinolone-induced nephrotoxicity in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic data in children.
- Assessment of safety data regarding nephrotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Available data suggest no risk of fluoroquinolone-induced nephrotoxicity in children.
- Fluoroquinolones appear to be potential candidates for treating pediatric UTIs.
- Pharmacokinetic profiles in children require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Fluoroquinolones may be considered for pediatric UTIs due to a lack of observed nephrotoxicity.
- Further pharmacokinetic studies in pediatric populations are warranted.
- Long-term toxicity monitoring is essential for pediatric fluoroquinolone use.
Abstract:
In recent years there is increasing pressure to use fluoroquinolones in pediatric patients but relatively few data have been published in the literature. Therefore this paper reviews the available information about the pharmacokinetics of fluoroquinolones in children and their use in pediatric urinary tract infections, taking into account their potential as nephrotoxic agents. From the available data it seems reasonable to suggest that there is no risk of quinolone-induced nephrotoxicity and that this class of antibiotics may therefore be considered as potential candidates in urinary tract infections in children. Nevertheless adequate pharmacokinetic investigations and further studies on long-term monitoring for potential toxicity need to be conducted in pediatric populations.