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A phase III clinical trial of 0.5% levofloxacin ophthalmic solution versus 0.3% ofloxacin ophthalmic solution for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis

Schwab IR, Friedlaender M, McCulley J, Lichtenstein SJ, Moran CT, Levofloxacin Bacterial Conjunctivitis Active Control Study Group

Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.), 2003

212 participants · 44 citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of 0.5% levofloxacin ophthalmic solution (QUIXIN) with 0.3% ofloxacin ophthalmic solution for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, active-controlled, double-masked, multicenter study.

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred twenty-three patients with a clinical diagnosis of bacterial conjunctivitis were enrolled.

METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 0.5% levofloxacin (n = 211) or 0.3% ofloxacin (n = 212) for 5 days (every 2 hours on days 1 and 2 and every 4 hours on days 3-5). Conjunctival cultures were obtained, and ocular signs and symptoms were evaluated on day 1 (baseline), days 3 to 5 (interim), and days 6 to 10 (final). End point was defined as the last evaluable observation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary microbial and clinical outcomes were based on culture results and resolution of cardinal signs, respectively. Secondary efficacy assessments included evaluations of ocular signs and symptoms.

RESULTS: Two hundred eight patients (levofloxacin, n = 109; ofloxacin, n = 99) were evaluated for efficacy. Microbial eradication rates were significantly greater in the 0.5% levofloxacin treatment group compared with the 0.3% ofloxacin group at both the final visit (89% vs. 80%, P = 0.034) and at end point (90% vs. 81%; P = 0.038). Treatment with 0.5% levofloxacin was significantly more effective in resolving photophobia than was 0.3% ofloxacin treatment (94% vs. 73%, P = 0.006). Both…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 212 participants or records.

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