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Oral ciprofloxacin treatment of infections in geriatric patients
B G Yangco1, V S Kenyon, K D Halkias
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
Abstract:
The efficacy and safety of oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg every 12 hours) in the treatment of infections was evaluated in 84 geriatric patients. Duration of treatment ranged from three to 42 days (for a mean of 10.45 days). Satisfactory responses (cured or improved) were noted in 33 of 34 cases of urinary tract infections (97%); in 11 of 13 cases of lower respiratory tract infections (85%); in four of nine cases of skin and skin structure infections (44%); and in both cases of bone infection and bacteremia. Bacteriological cure rates were 91% of 33 urinary tract infections; 83% of 12 lower respiratory tract infections; 62% of eight skin and skin structure infections; and in both cases of bone infection and bacteremia. Three patients evaluable for clinical purposes were bacteriologically unevaluable. Overall clinical efficacy and bacteriological cure rates were 86% and 85%, respectively. Of the 78 evaluable pathogens isolated, 70 (90%) were eradicated. Adverse reactions occurred in 24 patients (29%) and included candida colonization in eight, gastrointestinal upset in six, dermatologic symptoms in five, and vaginal candidiasis, chest pain, renal failure, tremors, monocytosis, thrombocytosis, and increased serum theophylline level in one patient each. Ciprofloxacin appears to be a safe and effective treatment for infections in geriatric patients. Advantages of the oral form include cost effectiveness and decreased length of hospitalization.
Insights
Oral ciprofloxacin demonstrated high efficacy in treating infections in geriatric patients, with significant clinical and bacteriological cure rates. This antibiotic offers a safe and cost-effective treatment option for this population.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Geriatric patients are susceptible to various infections.
- Assessing effective and safe antimicrobial agents for this population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral ciprofloxacin in treating infections in geriatric patients.
- To determine clinical and bacteriological cure rates for different infection types.
Main Methods:
- An open-label evaluation of oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg every 12 hours) was conducted.
- 84 geriatric patients with various infections were enrolled.
- Treatment duration varied, with a mean of 10.45 days.
Main Results:
- High clinical efficacy (86%) and bacteriological cure rates (85%) were observed.
- Specific success rates included 97% for urinary tract infections and 85% for lower respiratory tract infections.
- Adverse reactions occurred in 29% of patients, generally mild.
Conclusions:
- Oral ciprofloxacin is a safe and effective treatment for infections in geriatric patients.
- The oral formulation offers advantages such as cost-effectiveness and reduced hospitalization.
- Further research may explore long-term outcomes and specific infection management protocols.