Prescribing considerations in fluoroquinolone therapy

Comparative trials have shown that the new oral fluoroquinolones are as effective as parenteral cephalosporins and other broad-spectrum agents in treating infections of the urinary tract, lower respiratory tract, and skin and skin structure caused by most gram-negative and selected gram-positive pathogens. The agents are also effective in the treatment of prostatitis and osteomyelitis. Sequential parenteral to oral therapy has also proved useful, even in patients who are severely ill and are in intensive care units. This allows patients to be transferred out of intensive care earlier, reduces hospital stay and pharmacy costs, and improves quality of life. Because of the high bioavailability (> 95%) of ofloxacin, oral and parenteral doses are identical.