[The use of fluoroquinolone plasma levels by physicians]

C Pulcini1, E Bernard, R Garraffo

  • 1Service d'infectiologie, Hôpital L'Archet 1, CHU de Nice. pulcini.c@chu-nice.fr

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|December 23, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Physicians often fail to effectively utilize fluoroquinolone plasma concentrations, leading to inadequate dosing and potential treatment failures. Optimizing the use of these drug levels is crucial for improving patient outcomes in infectious disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pharmacy

Context:

  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used for various bacterial infections.
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of fluoroquinolone plasma concentrations can optimize treatment.
  • Physician utilization of TDM results in clinical practice is not well understood.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate how physicians interpret and apply fluoroquinolone plasma concentration results in patient care.
  • To identify potential gaps in the clinical use of fluoroquinolone TDM.

Summary:

  • A retrospective study analyzed 78 patients receiving ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, or pefloxacin.
  • 56% of patients had inadequate fluoroquinolone levels at treatment initiation.
  • Despite inadequate levels, 26% of cases lacked follow-up analysis, and 40% of physicians increased doses without optimal guidance, leading to relapses.

Impact:

  • Findings suggest suboptimal use of fluoroquinolone plasma concentrations by physicians.
  • Improved utilization of TDM could enhance treatment efficacy and reduce fluoroquinolone resistance.
  • This study highlights the need for better integration of TDM into infectious disease management protocols.

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