The Way Forward: High-Dose, Short-Course Levofloxacin Leads the Field

29 March, 2018

Question 27

Is there any cost-effective implications associated with this regimen?

The 750 mg levofloxacin regimen translates into a total 3.75 g of drug whereas the 500 mg for 10 days regimen requires a total 5 g of antimicrobial. Therefore, the high-dose regimen has the potential to be less costly because it requires less drug. In addition, the ability to reduce fever and other symptoms faster provides the regimen with the potential for reduced duration of IV therapy and reduction of length of stay in hospital, all factors associated with significant cost savings. Finally, the improved compliance and potential to minimize resistance should promote better antimicrobial preservation, resulting in cost-effectiveness being maintained long-term.