Oral ciprofloxacin treatment of infections in geriatric patients.

The efficacy and safety of oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg every 12 hours) in the treatment of infections was evaluated in 84 geriatric patients. Duration of treatment ranged from three to 42 days (for a mean of 10.45 days). Satisfactory responses (cured or improved) were noted in 33 of 34 cases of urinary tract infections (97%); in 11 of 13 cases of lower respiratory tract infections (85%); in four of nine cases of skin and skin structure infections (44%); and in both cases of bone infection and bacteremia. Bacteriological cure rates were 91% of 33 urinary tract infections; 83% of 12 lower respiratory tract infections; 62% of eight skin and skin structure infections; and in both cases of bone infection and bacteremia. Three patients evaluable for clinical purposes were bacteriologically unevaluable. Overall clinical efficacy and bacteriological cure rates were 86% and 85%, respectively. Of the 78 evaluable pathogens isolated, 70 (90%) were eradicated. Adverse reactions occurred in 24 patients (29%) and included candida colonization in eight, gastrointestinal upset in six, dermatologic symptoms in five, and vaginal candidiasis, chest pain, renal failure, tremors, monocytosis, thrombocytosis, and increased serum theophylline level in one patient each. Ciprofloxacin appears to be a safe and effective treatment for infections in geriatric patients. Advantages of the oral form include cost effectiveness and decreased length of hospitalization.