Intravenous ciprofloxacin

Article Abstract:

Ciprofloxacin is the first antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class to be available for use intravenously (IV). It was previously available for use orally and in the eyes, and the IV form is now being marketed as an alternative to other antibiotics used to treat serious infections. Ciprofloxacin is most effective against aerobic bacteria (those that live in oxygen-containing environments). However, an increasing number of bacterial strains are developing resistance to the drug, and it is only moderately effective against Pneumococcus (a type of bacteria associated with pneumonia) and intestinal bacteria. In patients with normal kidney function, a stable blood level of ciprofloxacin can be obtained when it is given every 12 hours. Blood levels of the antibiotic given either orally or IV are comparable. After administration, ciprofloxacin spreads effectively to most body fluids except cerebrospinal fluid (which surrounds the brain) and the eye, and only half the drug is metabolized before excretion in the urine. Ciprofloxacin IV has been effective in treating infections of the urinary tract, skin, soft tissue, bone, and joints, as well as pneumonia and bacteremia (infections in the bloodstream). Side effects include diarrhea, headache, restlessness, and rash. Local burning, redness, itching, and phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) have occurred with IV usage. The report indicates that ciprofloxacin IV is useful in a wide variety of infections, but the oral preparation is equivalent and cheaper. Neither form should be used for infections with anaerobic bacteria (those that can live without oxygen) or for pneumococcal or streptococcal infections. Widespread use may increase the occurrence of bacterial resistance to the drug. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Usage, Intravenous therapy, Ciprofloxacin

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Intravenous leiomyomatosis with cardiac extension: successful surgical management and histopathologic study

Article Abstract:

Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare condition in which projections from benign tumors grow into veins and extend throughout the venous system. Most such tumors originate in the uterus, and they may reach as far as the right atrium of the heart (into which the veins from the lower body ultimately lead). The results of surgical treatment of a 72-year-old woman with this disease are reported. Her initial symptoms consisted of dyspnea (difficulty in breathing) and irregular heartbeats, and investigation revealed that she had a tumor in the right atrium whose tail extended into the inferior vena cava, which returns blood from the lower part of the body. These were removed and, in a second operation several months later, the patient underwent total hysterectomy (removal of the female reproductive organs). A description of the tumor is provided, as is a discussion of the possible origins of intravenous leiomyomatosis. The histopathological results indicate that the tumor arose from a component of the uterine veins themselves, and estrogen (a female hormone) may be important in its development. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Surgery, Leiomyoma

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Intravenous amiodarone

Article Abstract:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved intravenous amiodarone (Cordarone IV) for the treatment of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) not responsive to other drugs. Both VF and VT are irregular fast heart beats. IV amiodarone takes effect much faster than the oral drug and may prevent or stop VF/VT better than other drugs. In addition, IV amiodarone may be especially effective after a heart attack. The most common side effect is low blood pressure in about one fifth of all patients, followed by occasional cases of irregular slow heart beat. Drug interaction with other heart medications requires caution in its use. Gradual infusion of 1,050 milligrams (mg) of IV amiodarone during the first 24 hours is recommended. IV therapy can last from several days to two or three weeks, at a wholesale cost of $550 per 1,500 mg supply.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Drug therapy, Ventricular fibrillation, Amiodarone, Ventricular tachycardia, Cordarone (Medication)

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