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Safety Concerns Surrounding Quinolone Use in Children
Karisma Patel1,2, Jennifer L Goldman3,2,4
1Department of Pharmacy, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|February 12, 2016
Summary
Fluoroquinolones are effective antibiotics, but safety concerns limit their pediatric use. However, the risk of antibiotic resistance from overuse is a greater concern for both children and adults.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
Background:
- Fluoroquinolones possess favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, including broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
- Pediatric use of fluoroquinolones is restricted due to safety concerns, particularly regarding arthropathy.
- The widespread use in adults contributes to the significant issue of antimicrobial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacological characteristics of fluoroquinolones.
- To examine the current applications of fluoroquinolones in pediatric medicine.
- To comprehensively assess the safety profile of fluoroquinolone use in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacological properties.
- Analysis of current pediatric prescribing patterns.
- Evaluation of safety data from pediatric fluoroquinolone studies.
Main Results:
- Arthralgia and arthropathy in children are uncommon and typically resolve without lasting effects.
- Despite concerns, severe joint issues are rare in pediatric fluoroquinolone use.
- Antimicrobial resistance due to fluoroquinolone misuse/overuse is a critical, often underestimated, safety issue.
Conclusions:
- The perceived risk of adverse events in children may lead to underutilization of fluoroquinolones.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a significant safety concern for both pediatric and adult populations.
- Judicious prescribing of fluoroquinolones is essential to balance efficacy and mitigate resistance.
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