Small studies have shown that fluoroquinolones are reasonably safe in children, “but they should be reserved for patients who have no other reasonable options,” she said.
“Also, advise patients to report any joint pain so the medication can be stopped before the possibility of tendon rupture.”
▸ Acyclovir. “This is a fairly safe drug to use in children. We're used to using it in patients with genital herpes and immunocompromised patients with zoster,” said Dr. Stechenberg.
However, because it is excreted in the kidney almost unchanged, it can cause renal tubular dysfunction, crystalline nephropathy, and interstitial nephritis, she said. For this reason, “it's important not to have rapid infusions and to make sure patients are well hydrated before treatment starts, to give enough hydration along with treatment, and to look for underlying renal disease.”
Dr. Stechenberg reported having no disclosures related to her presentation.