Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 49, Issue 2, Supplement 2 , Pages S79-S83, March 2004

Fluoroquinolone resistance in ophthalmology and the potential role for newer ophthalmic fluoroquinolones☆

  • David G. Hwang, MD, FACS

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint address: David G. Hwang, MD, FACS, Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California USA 94143-0730.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA

Abstract 

The three topical ophthalmic fluoroquinolones recently introduced into the U.S. market—levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin—offer several advantages over the previously available fluoroquinolones (norfloxacin 0.3%, ciprofloxacin 0.3%, and ofloxacin 0.3%). These include enhanced spectrum and potency for Gram-positive cocci and possibly atypical mycobacterial species, improved penetration into the anterior segment, and reduced propensity to promote the development of resistance. Although published data and clinical experience with these agents is quite limited given their relatively recent entry into the U.S. market, this perspective will attempt to provide an understanding of the potential role of these newer fluorquinolones in addressing the problem of increasing fluoroquinolone resistance amongst bacterial ocular isolates.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, endophthalmitis, fluoroquinolones, gatifloxacin keratitis, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

☆ The author reported no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article.

PII: S0039-6257(04)00005-0

doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2004.01.004

Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 49, Issue 2, Supplement 2 , Pages S79-S83, March 2004

Article Tools