LONG-TERM SAFETY OF OFLOXACIN AND CIPROFLOXACIN IN THE TREATMENT OF MYCOBACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are potentially useful agents for treating mycobacterial infections. We retrospectively reviewed 7 years' experi ence with these agents in 103 patients, Ofloxacin was used primarily t o treat tuberculosis (TB), dosed to achieve 2-hour postdose serum conc entrations of 8-12 mu g/ml. Ciprofloxacin was used primarily to treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, dosed to achieve 2-hour p ostdose serum concentrations of 4-6 mu g/ml. Despite differences in pa tient characteristics, underlying disease, and concurrent medications, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were associated with a similar spectrum a nd incidence of adverse reactions. Both drugs were generally well tole rated. Adverse effects led to an ofloxacin dosage change in 1 patient (3%) and discontinuation of ofloxacin in 2 patients (6%). Adverse effe cts led to a ciprofloxacin dosage change in 2 patients (3%) and discon tinuation of ciprofloxacin in 5 patients (7%). Ofloxacin and ciproflox acin appear to be tolerated as well as or better than other ''second-l ine'' antimycobacterial drugs.