[Sunshine55]

Cipro is NOT safe for kids, it inhibits growth-plate development.

[spycatcher]

I wonder why no mention of doxycycline?

[kcvl]

Cipro and fluroquinolones are widely used in adults, their use in children is limited to post-exposure treatment of inhalational anthrax, where the 'risk-benefit assessment indicates that administration of ciprofloxacin to pediatric patients is appropriate.' (source 2001 PDR) But in other situations, such as giving Cipro to your child 'just in case', the risk-benefit assessment wouldn't be so favorable, since there really isn't a benefit.

U.S. approves antibiotic to fight anthrax September 1, 2000
Web posted at: 3:50 PM EDT (1950 GMT)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- U.S. health officials, working to prepare the United States to face the threat of biological terrorism, Thursday approved a widely used antibiotic to fight infection with the deadly agent, anthrax.

Children also could receive Cipro treatment for anthrax exposure because the disease is so lethal, the FDA said. The drug, which has been on the market since 1987, had not previously been approved for children because of concerns about long-term safety.