It is my understanding that the initial studies which were done on the
floroquinolones were done in beagles. I do not believe that the cartilage
problems which were demonstrated in baby beagles have been reproduced in
humans. If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know.

I believe that the studies are ongoing but ciprofloxacin is being used in
children with Cystic Fibrosis- a lung disease where children have a lot of
problems with resistant bacteria. I do not think that there have been any
reports of cartilage problems in this population.

Given this data, I will occasionally prescribe Cipro for children less than
12 years if the benefits outweigh and potential risks and if I have
thoroughly discussed the possibilities of cartilage problems and the ongoing
studies with the parents. I suspect, however, that the bony risk to a
nursing child is probably quite small. The GI side effects are real in
adults but the likelihood of these occurring with nursing not something with
which I have any experience.

Kate McIntosh MD FAAP
Benzonia, MI

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html