The place of quinolones in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.

The new quinolones are rarely indicated for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in the normal host. For nosocomial pneumonia they may be used when a Gram-negative aerobic bacillus is the causative organism. Pneumonia in the compromised host may be an indication for a quinolone. In the hypogammaglobulinaemic patient with Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia, the quinolones may be used, especially when the organism is resistant to other drugs. For the neutropenic patient with Gram-negative pneumonia the quinolones may be a good choice. However, more clinical studies are needed. In treatment for exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, failures seem to be associated with pneumococcal infections. For patients with cystic fibrosis, the quinolones offer successful ambulatory treatment for their Pseudomonas and Haemophilus infections. The information regarding dosage schedules is still incomplete.