see more Rxs for quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, etc) in KIDS

You may see more Rxs for quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, etc) in KIDS.

It was thought that quinolones shouldn't be used in children due to the risk of cartilage damage...and product labeling still warns about risks in children.

Now that thinking is changing.

In fact, there's NO good evidence that quinolones cause cartilage and joint problems when used in children.

If you see a quinolone ordered for a child, don't be surprised if the claim is rejected or the computer prompts a drug-age interaction alert. Quinolones should be saved for when other antibiotics aren't appropriate due to resistance, allergies, etc.

Notify your pharmacist if you get one of these rejections. The prescriber will likely need to be contacted...to make sure it's not a mistake and for documentation to override the claim.

• FAQ: Quinolone Use in Kids