Clinical efficacy of ofloxacin in lower respiratory tract infections. A multicentre study.

A multicentre clinical trial was carried out to determine the activity and tolerability of ofloxacin in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections. 667 patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 different twice daily dosage regimens: 400 mg (245 patients), 600 mg (211) or 800 mg (211). The mean duration of treatment was 8.77 +/- 2.62 days. Satisfactory overall clinical results (i.e. cured or improved) were obtained in 612 of 667 patients (91.8%). Eradication of pathogens was achieved for 279 of 354 isolated strains (78.8%). Side effects were observed in 31 patients and consisted of gastrointestinal disturbance (22), skin rash (1), neurological disturbance (3) and others (5). No significant alteration of haematological parameters was reported.