Fluoroquinolone-drug interactions: An overview

It is apparent that the fluoroquinolones represent an important advancement in infectious disease therapy. However, like other anti-microbial compounds, they are not without side effects. An understanding and appreciation of fluoroquinolone-drug interactions is essential for their optimal clinical use. Many questions concerning the potential of the fluoroquinolones with regard to drug interactions still remain.

In addition, the majority of research on fluoroquinolone-drug interactions has been done in the research center environment using normal, healthy adult volunteers. The clinical significance of fluoroquinolone-drug interactions needs to be based upon observations in various patient populations, where feasible. Many of the aforementioned interactions could be influenced by race, dosage regimen design, smoking status of the patient, diet composition, and underlying organ function. Future research needs to assess the multiple factors of the clinical setting that might have an influence on patient outcome as a result of combining a fluoroquinolone with another interacting drug. Because norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin are commercially available in the United States, an active surveillance program in the community and institutional settings will help to identify and clarify many of the issues related to flouroquinolone-drug interactions.