The use of quinolones in children and accumulation of data on the phar
macodynamics of these drugs have been limited and delayed by concern r
egarding their chondrotoxicity. A comprehensive review of the findings
in animals compared with the cumulative published findings in childre
n and adolescents (>7,000 to date) allows the conclusion that such con
cern is not justified. Prospective controlled studies in children are
justifiable in view of a continuing lack of correlation between findin
gs in juvenile animals and those in children and because of the select
ed therapeutic advantages of the current and newer quinolones.