Evidence Hub

Efficacy and safety of levofloxacin in the context of other contemporary fluoroquinolones: a review

P. Ball

Current Therapeutic Research, 2003

250 participants · 31 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent years, fluoroquinolone research has focused on achieving several goals, including (1) enhanced potency against gram-positive cocci, notably Streptococcus pneumoniae, and anaerobes, while (2) maintaining potency against gram-negative pathogens, (3) optimizing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and (4) minimizing potential adverse drug reactions through recognition and avoidance of structural configurations that have characterized earlier, reactive compounds.

OBJECTIVE: This review examines the efficacy and safety of fluoroquinolones and the specific clinical evidence regarding levofloxacin.

METHODS: Using published literature collected over time by the author, a review was conducted, focusing on the efficacy and safety profile of levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones.

RESULTS: The newer fluoroquinolones have fulfilled many of the research goals described above. Levofloxacin has improved anti-gram-positive potency, PK/PD properties, a proven clinical trial record (particularly for communityacquired pneumonia [CAP]), and an excellent safety profile-in the context of the treatment of >250 million patients worldwide in the past decade. It is licensed for management of drug-resistant S pneumoniae infections in the United States and has gained widespread formulary acceptance and guideline inclusion. Studies assessing levofloxacin for CAP therapy show significant advantages over standard therapy, such as trends toward reduced IV therapy and length…

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free