Reassuring safety profile of moxifloxacin.

Abstract

Sir—During the year 2000, Hooper [1] and Ball [2] reviewed the adverse drug reaction (ADR) profiles of the quinolone class antimicrobial agents. Within the last year, 2 quinolones have been recognized to produce either unacceptable hepatotoxicity (trovafloxacin) or cardiotoxicity (grepafloxacin) and have had their use restricted or have been withdrawn. Since then the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 2 further quinolones (moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin) for use, and required that another (levofloxacin) carry additional safety labeling. The new drug application for a fourth quinolone (clinafloxacin) has been withdrawn from the approval process.