Long-term safety of ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in the treatment of mycobacterial infections

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1995 Jun;151(6):2006-9. doi: 10.1164/ajrccm.151.6.7767552.

Abstract

Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are potentially useful agents for treating mycobacterial infections. We retrospectively reviewed 7 years' experience with these agents in 103 patients. Ofloxacin was used primarily to treat tuberculosis (TB), dosed to achieve 2-hour postdose serum concentrations of 8-12 micrograms/ml. Ciprofloxacin was used primarily to treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, dosed to achieve 2-hour post-dose serum concentrations of 4-6 micrograms/ml. Despite differences in patient characteristics, underlying disease, and concurrent medications, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were associated with a similar spectrum and incidence of adverse reactions. Both drugs were generally well tolerated. Adverse effects led to an ofloxacin dosage change in 1 patient (3%) and discontinuation of ofloxacin in 2 patients (6%). Adverse effects led to a ciprofloxacin dosage change in 2 patients (3%) and discontinuation of ciprofloxacin in 5 patients (7%). Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin appear to be tolerated as well as or better than other "second-line" antimycobacterial drugs.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ciprofloxacin / administration & dosage
  • Ciprofloxacin / adverse effects*
  • Ciprofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection / drug therapy*
  • Ofloxacin / administration & dosage
  • Ofloxacin / adverse effects*
  • Ofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Ofloxacin