Levofloxacin has high bacterial eradication rate in conjunctivitis: study

Levofloxacin demonstrated a high rate of microbial eradication in patients with bacterial conjunctivitis in a multicenter study. A subgroup analysis showed that eradication rates were more pronounced in pediatric patients, the study authors noted.

Investigators at several sites randomized 249 patients with bacterial conjunctivitis to receive either 0.5% levofloxacin (126 patients) or placebo for 5 days. The drug was administered every 2 hours on days 1 and 2, then every 4 hours on days 3 through 5. Microbial outcomes were based on culture results. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on resolution of cardinal signs.

Of the initial patients, 60 in the levofloxacin group and 57 in the placebo group were evaluated after treatment. Compared to placebo, patients who received levofloxacin had significantly greater microbial eradication, reaching 90% at end point.

Differences in eradication rates at end point were most pronounced in pediatric patients but were also statistically significantly different in adult patients.

Clinical cure rates were also significantly greater with levofloxacin at final visit and end point.

Adverse events were similar in the levofloxacin and placebo groups. When analyzed by age, significantly fewer pediatric patients receiving levofloxacin experienced worsening symptoms.

The study is published in the August issue of British Journal of Ophthalmology.