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Pediatric uses of fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Thomas S Murray1, Robert S Baltimore

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, Box 208064, New Haven, CT 06520-8064, USA.

Pediatric Annals
|August 31, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Current pediatric fluoroquinolone use appears safe, but concerns about antibiotic resistance in pathogens like pneumococcus persist. Experts recommend limiting use to specific cases where benefits outweigh risks and few alternatives exist.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Antimicrobial stewardship

Background:

  • Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibiotics with established efficacy.
  • Concerns exist regarding the potential for increased antimicrobial resistance with widespread use in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and risks associated with pediatric fluoroquinolone administration.
  • To assess the validity of expert concerns regarding fluoroquinolone-resistant pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current data on pediatric fluoroquinolone use, focusing on ciprofloxacin.
  • Analysis of expert opinions and concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance.

Main Results:

  • Available data suggest pediatric fluoroquinolone administration, particularly ciprofloxacin, is generally safe.
  • Concerns regarding the emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, are considered valid.

Conclusions:

  • Expanded use of fluoroquinolones in children is generally not recommended.
  • Pediatric fluoroquinolone use should be reserved for situations with clear benefit-risk advantages and limited alternative treatments.

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