Based on the fast bactericidal action of fluoroquinolones, most AECB patients also have a rapid clinical response. Another positive aspect regarding cost-effectiveness is the possibility to perform sequential, or switch, therapy – after starting an intravenous (IV) treatment in hospitalized patients in the first 2–4 days, patients can be switched to oral (PO) treatment and can be discharged from the hospital earlier. Also, the prolongation of the time to the next exacerbation when compared to β-lactams makes fluoroquinolones cost-effective.