The use of fluoroquinolones in children: recent advances.

Fluoroquinolones are an important group of antibiotics that are used widely in the treatment of various infectious diseases in adults as a result of their excellent spectrum of activity, significant tissue penetration and convenient routes of administration. Their use in children, however, has been limited until recently as a result of possible fluoroquinolone-induced joint toxicity. Nevertheless, this group of antibiotics is rapidly gaining consideration for use in children as new agents are emerging with a wide antimicrobial range of action and minimal toxicity, even in young children. This review presents the pharmacokinetics, clinical indications and possible toxicity of fluoroquinolones in children, as well as the newer agents and their safety profile in pediatrics.