Korean J Pediatr.  2013 May;56(5):196-201. 10.3345/kjp.2013.56.5.196.

Systemic use of fluoroquinolone in children

• Choi SH
• Kim EY
• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2284835
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2013.56.5.196

Abstract

Fluoroquinolones are an important class of antibiotics that are widely used in adult patients because of their broad spectrum of activity, good tissue penetration, and oral bioavailability. However, fluoroquinolone use in children is limited because juvenile animals developed arthropathy in previous experiments on fluoroquinolone use. Indications for fluoroquinolone use in patients younger than 18 years, as stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, include treatment of complicated urinary tract infections and postexposure treatment for inhalation anthrax. In Korea, the systemic use of fluoroquinolones has not been approved in children younger than 18 years. Although concerns remain regarding the adverse musculoskeletal effects of fluoroquinolones in children, their use in the pediatric population has increased in many circumstances. While pediatricians should be aware of the indications and adverse effects of fluoroquinolones, recent studies have shown that the risk for musculoskeletal complications in children did not significantly increase following fluoroquinolone treatment. In addition, fluoroquinolones may be particularly helpful in treating multidrug-resistant infections that have not responded to standard antibiotic therapy in immunocompromised patients. In the present article, we provide an updated review on the safety and current recommendations for using fluoroquinolones in children.

Keyword

Fluoroquinolones; Adverse effects; Joint diseases; Child

MeSH Terms

Adult
Animals
Anthrax
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Biological Availability
Child
Fluoroquinolones
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Inhalation
Joint Diseases
Korea
Respiratory Tract Infections
United States Food and Drug Administration
Urinary Tract Infections
Anthrax
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fluoroquinolones
Respiratory Tract Infections