Question 10

How effective was 750 mg levofloxacin in treating CAP caused by atypical respiratory pathogens?

Results from a subgroup analysis of data from the active-controlled, prospective clinical trial of levofloxacin in the treatment of CAP identified 149 CAP patients as having infections due to L. pneumophila, C. pneumoniae, or M. pneumoniae. Levofloxacin (at either 500 mg for 10 days or 750 mg for 5 days) was highly effective against CAP due to atypical pathogens with clinical success rates of 90.9% to 100% (Figure 5). Based on these results, physicians can be comfortable prescribing levofloxacin, 750 mg, for those patients who may be at risk for atypical CAP (54).

Figure 5. Levofloxacin provides effective atypical coverage for CAP

Subset of patients from an active-controlled, prospective clinical trial of 149 patients with CAP due to L. pneumophila, C. pneumoniae, or M. pneumoniae.
Abbreviation: CAP = community-acquired pneumonia.
Adapted from reference (54).