Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., Vol 151, No. 6, 06 1995, 2006-2009.
Long-term safety of ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in the treatment of mycobacterial infections
SE Berning, L Madsen, MD Iseman and CA Peloquin
Department of Medicine, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
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.
