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Multicenter, randomized study comparing levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin for uncomplicated skin and skin structure
R L Nichols1, J W Smith, L O Gentry
1Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La 70112, USA.
Background:
The fluoroquinolone, levofloxacin, is active against most common pathogens in skin and skin structure infections.
Methods:
The efficacy, tolerability, and safety of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were compared in a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial of patients with uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections. Of 469 patients treated, 231 received levofloxacin (500 mg qd) and 238 were given ciprofloxacin (500 mg bid).
Results:
Overall clinical success rates (cured plus improved) for levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were 98% and 94%, respectively (95% confidence interval [CI], -7.7, 0.7). Overall microbiologic eradication rates by patient were 98% in the levofloxacin group and 89% in the ciprofloxacin group (95% CI, -14.5, -2.7), whereas eradication rates by pathogen were 98% and 90%, respectively (95% CI, -12.6, -3.7). The eradication rate for Staphylococcus aureus was 100% in the levofloxacin group and 87% in the ciprofloxacin group (95% CI, -20.2, -5.1). Treatment-emergent adverse events were comparable, with drug-related adverse events reported in 6% of levofloxacin patients and 5% of ciprofloxacin patients.
Conclusions:
Levofloxacin is as effective and safe as ciprofloxacin in the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.