Levofloxacin: the role and significance in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections

Abstract

The advent of the first «respiratory» fluoroquinolone in the late 1990s gave rise to a dramatic growth in popularity ofantibiotics of this class. Levofloxacin like other fluoroquinolones is highly active with respect to Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical pathogens including penicillin-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is recommended for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, nosocomial pneumonia, and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Levofloxacin is safe and characterized by high bioavailability and high concentration at the site of inflammation. Therapy with its high doses (750 and 1000 mg/day) during 5 days improves the outcome of the treatment due to improved compliance and minimal risk of development of drug resistance. nosocomial pneumonia, exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.