Effect of fluoroquinolones on body temperature of mice.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of fluoroquinolones on rectal temperature of infected and non-infected mice.

METHODS

The effect of fluoroquinolone administration on rectal temperature was investigated in a mouse model with and without infection.

RESULTS

Hypothermia was induced by administration of gatifloxacin at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg in non-infected mice, but not by cefditoren pivoxil. In addition, the rectal temperature was decreased in infected mice administered fluoroquinolones or cephems, a greater decrease being noted in animals receiving the former agents.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that fluoroquinolones decrease the rectal temperature of mice regardless of infections.