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Skin and skin structure infections: treatment with newer generation fluoroquinolones

Philip Giordano, Kurt Weber, Gail Gesin

    Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management
    |March 25, 2008
    PubMed

    Insights

    Skin and skin structure infections (SSSI) are increasing, necessitating broad-spectrum antibiotics. This review compares newer fluoroquinolones for optimal SSSI management, aiding clinical decision-making.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Pharmacology
    • Clinical Medicine

    Background:

    • Skin and skin structure infections (SSSI) represent a growing healthcare challenge, leading to increased hospitalizations and antibiotic use.
    • The diverse and evolving pathogens causing SSSI, including Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria, coupled with rising resistance, demand broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy.
    • While historically treated with cephalosporins and penicillins, newer generation fluoroquinolones are increasingly utilized for SSSI management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To provide a comparative review of newer generation fluoroquinolones used for SSSI treatment.
    • To analyze antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy of relevant fluoroquinolones.
    • To support clinicians in making informed decisions regarding the appropriate use of fluoroquinolones in SSSI.

    Main Methods:

    • Comparative review of existing literature.
    • Analysis of antimicrobial data.
    • Evaluation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
    • Assessment of clinical efficacy studies.

    Main Results:

    • Newer generation fluoroquinolones, including moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, and levofloxacin, have FDA indications for SSSI.
    • Subtle differences exist within this class of fluoroquinolones, impacting their optimal clinical application.
    • Data on antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy are crucial for guiding treatment choices.

    Conclusions:

    • Appropriate selection of fluoroquinolones for SSSI requires careful consideration of their specific properties.
    • This review aims to equip clinicians with the necessary data for effective fluoroquinolone utilization in SSSI.
    • Optimizing fluoroquinolone use can lead to improved patient outcomes in managing skin and skin structure infections.

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