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The new fluoroquinolones: A critical review

Zhanel GG, Walkty A, Vercaigne L, Karlowsky JA, Embil J, Gin AS, Hoban DJ

The Canadian journal of infectious diseases = Journal canadien des maladies infectieuses, 1999

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the literature available on the new fluoroquinolones - clinafloxacin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin and trovafloxacin - to compare these agents with each other and contrast them with ciprofloxacin, an older fluoroquinolone.

DATA SELECTION: Published papers used were obtained by searching MEDLINE for articles published between 1994 and 1998, inclusive. References of published papers were also obtained and reviewed. Abstracts from scientific proceedings were reviewed.

DATA EXTRACTION: Due to the limited data available on several of the agents, criteria for study inclusion in the in vitro, pharmacokinetics and in vivo sections were not restrictive.

DATA SYNTHESIS: The new fluoroquinolones offer excellent Gram-negative bacillary activity and improved Gram-positive activity (eg, against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus) over ciprofloxacin. Clinafloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin and trovafloxacin display improved activity against anaerobes (eg, Bacteriodes fragilis). All of the new fluoroquinolones have a longer serum half-life than ciprofloxacin (allowing for once daily dosing), and several are eliminated predominantly by nonrenal means. No clinical trials are available comparing the new fluoroquinolones with each other. Clinical trials comparing the new fluoroquinolones with standard therapy have demonstrated good efficacy in a variety of infections. Their adverse effect…

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