A number of studies have now examined the effects of introduction of fluoroquinolones into guidelines and onto formularies. Marrie (25) conducted a study comparing a critical management pathway (levofloxacin therapy and practice guidelines) versus standard therapy and showed the pathway to achieve significant reductions in bed days utilized (1.7 days) and admissions of low risk patients to hospital (31% vs. 49%). The potential savings per patient was estimated at US$1,700 and there were no negative quality of life issues demonstrated. Similarly, addition of levofloxacin monotherapy to formulary in a single large teaching hospital group reduced parenteral antibiotic use by 1.8 days and cut antibiotic costs by US$55 per patient, while mortality and LOS were unaffected. In comparison with clarithromycin, unit overall cost of therapy suggests that significantly greater numbers of patients can be successfully treated with levofloxacin from pharmacy budget.