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Levofloxacin: a therapeutic review
S M Wimer1, L Schoonover, M W Garrison
1College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Spokane 99201-3899, USA.
Clinical Therapeutics
|January 23, 1999
Summary
Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, offers convenient dosing and enhanced activity against gram-positive bacteria. It demonstrates comparable or superior efficacy in treating common infections with minimal adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Antimicrobial Agents
Background:
- Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
- This review focuses on its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, in vitro activity, drug interactions, and adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy of levofloxacin.
- To determine its place in therapy compared to other quinolones.
Main Methods:
- Review of published literature and comparative trials.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic and in vitro data.
Main Results:
- Levofloxacin has an improved pharmacokinetic profile allowing once-daily dosing.
- It shows enhanced activity against gram-positive organisms, including penicillin-resistant pneumococci.
- Clinical trials indicate equivalent or greater efficacy for community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and urinary tract infections.
Conclusions:
- Levofloxacin is well-tolerated with minimal adverse reactions.
- It may be a suitable replacement for older quinolones on hospital formularies.
- Judicious use of fluoroquinolones is essential to prevent resistance.