OFLOXACIN IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

EFFICACY OF A SINGLE DAILY DOSE

Abstract

We investigated the effect of a single daily dose of ofloxacin in the treatment of geriatric patients with infections. The results were as follows:
1) Four elderly patients were given 200mg of ofloxacin. A peak serum concentration of 5.8μg/ml (mean) was obtained at 1h after administation. The T_1/2 was 10.3h.
2) A peak urine concentration of 282μg/ml (mean) was obtained 2-4 h after administration. The cumulative recovery was 52.1% at 24h after administration.
3) Ofloxacin was given to 45 patients (36 with pyelonephritis, 5 with pneumonia and 2 each with biliary tract infection and sepsis) at 100mg or 200mg once a day. Of the 45, results were excellent in 2, good in 34, fair in 3 and poor in 6 cases. The clinical efficacy rate was 80%.
4) As to bacteriological response, 35 of 42 strains (83.3%) were eliminated. Especially against Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii and Proteus mirabilis, an excellent result was obtained.
5) Pyrexia was observed as an adverse reaction in one case. Abnormal laboratory findings were neutropenia, eosinophilia and abnormal hepatic function in 9 cases (20%) and all improved after medication.
From these results, we conclude that a single daily dose of ofloxacin is a useful option in the treatment of elderly patients with infections, especially those of the urinary tract.