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Fluoroquinolone Restriction as an Effective Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention

  • Healthcare Associated Infections (G Bearman and D Morgan, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Infectious Disease Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

Fluoroquinolones are a commonly prescribed antibiotic class that has come under scrutiny in recent years due to mounting evidence of association between adverse drug events, C. difficile infection and isolation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Recent findings

Inpatient antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs have a toolbox of potential interventions to curb inappropriate antibiotic use, prevent antibiotic-associated adverse drug events, and avoid unnecessary costs of care. Fluoroquinolone restriction policies in the acute care setting have demonstrated beneficial effects, including decreased rates of C. difficile infection and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. However, a simple blanket restriction policy may “squeeze the antibiotic balloon” and will likely be insufficient if not implemented in conjunction with other AMS interventions.

Summary

There is a growing body of evidence to support formulary restriction of fluoroquinolones in the acute care setting to decrease rates of C. difficile infection and development of ESBL-producing organisms. Data on how to best implement these restrictions or how to implement outside of acute care settings is limited.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, N423, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    Kimberly C. Claeys, Ana D. Vega & Emily L. Heil

  2. Department of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Kimberly C. Claeys & Emily L. Heil

  3. Department of Pharmacy, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Teri L. Hopkins

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  1. Kimberly C. Claeys
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  2. Teri L. Hopkins
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Correspondence to Kimberly C. Claeys.

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Kimberly C. Claeys, Teri L. Hopkins, Ana D. Vega, and Emily L. Heil declare they have no conflicts of interests.

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Claeys, K.C., Hopkins, T.L., Vega, A.D. et al. Fluoroquinolone Restriction as an Effective Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention. Curr Infect Dis Rep 20, 7 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-018-0615-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-018-0615-z

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