Opportunities to Improve Fluoroquinolone Use in Adults Exist in Ambulatory Care Settings
Published March 29, 2018
Systemic fluoroquinolones* (FQ) currently in use include ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gemifloxacin, delafloxacin and ofloxacin. These agents have a number of FDA-approved indications including respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, skin and soft-tissue, intraabdominal, and gastrointestinal tract infections. Because of ongoing safety concerns with FQ use, the FDA issued drug safety communications associated with systemically administered FQ in… Read More
IDSA and SHEA Update Clostridium difficile Infection Clinical Practice Guidelines
Published March 15, 2018
Clostridium difficile* infections (CDI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. Based on data from 2006 to 2011, studies estimated close to 500,000 CDI cases annually, resulting in 15,000 to 30,000 deaths and 4.8 million dollars in excess costs to acute care facilities. C difficile infections remain a major public health problem,… Read More
FDA Issues New Safety Communication on Clarithromycin Use in Patients with Heart Disease
Published March 1, 2018
On February 22nd, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new drug safety communication to health care providers regarding the long-term risks of clarithromycin use in patients with heart disease. Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for treatment of a variety of respiratory tract and skin infections, and infections caused by Helicobacter pylori and non-tuberculous… Read More
