Fluoroquinolones in respiratory infections

The fluoroquinolones have excellent activity against a number of respiratory pathogens, especially gram-negative bacteria, including beta-lactamase-producing Hemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Several studies have shown ciprofloxacin to be effective in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, some community-acquired and nosocomial pneumonia, and acute exacerbations of bronchopulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis. The fluoroquinolones have less activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae and limited anaerobic activity, which should limit the use of these drugs in empiric therapy of community-acquired pneumonia where the pneumococcus or anaerobes play a predominant role.