Genital ulcer disease treatment for reducing sexual acquisition of HIV

BACKGROUND

Genital ulcer disease by virtue of disruption of the mucosal surfaces may enhance HIV acquisition. Genital ulcer disease treatment with resolution of the ulcers may therefore contribute in reducing the sexual acquisition of HIV.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of treatment of genital ulcer disease on sexual acquisition of HIV.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, NLM Gateway, Web of Science, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists of relevant publications for eligible studies published between 1980 and August 2011.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials of any treatment intervention aimed at curing genital ulcer disease compared with an alternative treatment, placebo, or no treatment. We included only trials whose unit of randomization was the individual with confirmed genital ulcer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We independently selected studies and extracted data in duplicate; resolving discrepancies by discussion, consensus, and arbitration by third review author. We expressed study results as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

There were three randomized controlled trials that met our inclusion criteria recruited HIV-negative participants with chancroid (two trials with 143 participants) and primary syphilis (one trial with 30 participants). The syphilis study, carried out in the US between 1995 and 1997, randomized participants to receive a single 2.0 g oral dose of azithromycin (11 participants); two 2.0 g oral doses of azithromycin administered six to eight days apart (eight participants); or benzathine penicillin G administered as either 2.4 million units intramuscular injection once or twice seven days apart (11 participants). No participant in the trial seroconverted during 12 months of follow-up. The chancroid trials, conducted in Kenya by 1990, found no significant differences in HIV seroconversion rates during four to 12 weeks of follow-up between 400 and 200 mg single oral doses of fleroxacin (one trial, 45 participants; RR 3.00; 95% CI 0.29 to 30.69), or between 400 mg fleroxacin and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole plus 160 mg trimethoprim (one trial, 98 participants; RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.04 to 3.09). Adverse events reported were mild to moderate in severity, and included Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms. The differences between the treatment arms in the incidence of adverse events were not significant. The quality of this evidence on the effectiveness of genital ulcer disease treatment in reducing sexual acquisition of HIV, according to GRADE methodology, is of very low quality.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

At present, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether curative treatment of genital ulcer disease would reduce the risk of HIV acquisition. The very low quality of the evidence implies that the true effect of genital ulcer disease treatment on sexual acquisition of HIV may be substantially different from the effect estimated from currently available data. However, genital ulcer diseases are public health problems in their own right and patients with these conditions should be treated appropriately; whether the treatment reduces the risk of HIV infection or not.

[Clinical observation on shufei granule in improving right ventricular function of patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Shufei Granule (SG) on right ventricular function in patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease (CPHD).

METHODS

One hundred CPHD patients were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (n = 40) treated with fleroxacin 0.2 g twice per day by intravenous dripping and diprophylline 0.2 g 3 times per day orally, the treatment group (n = 60) treated with SG 10 g 3 times a day orally additionally besides the treatment given to the control group. The therapeutic course for both groups was 3 weeks. The changes of the cardiac function, the right ventricular function [A peak velocity (VA), E peak velocity (VE), VA/VE, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), pre-ejection period (PEP), right ventricular ejection time (RVET), PEP/RVET], and blood-gas analysis were investigated, the condition of clinical symptoms and signs as well as tongue pictures were observed also.

RESULTS

The total effective rate was 91.6% in the treated group, significantly higher than that in the control group (70.0%, P < 0.01); the improvements in symptom score, cardiac function and the other laboratory indexes were all superior in the treatment group to those in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

SG is an effective drug for improving right ventricular function in CPHD patients.

A Randomized Clinical Trial to Compare Fleroxacin-Rifampicin with Flucloxacillin or Vancomycin for the Treatment of Staphylococcal Infection

BACKGROUND

Oral combination therapy with fluoroquinolones plus rifampicin is a promising alternative to standard parenteral therapy for staphylococcal infections.

METHODS

In a multicenter, randomized trial, we compared the efficacy, safety, and length of hospital stay for patients with staphylococcal infections treated either with an oral combination of a fluoroquinolone (fleroxacin) plus rifampicin or with standard parenteral treatment (flucloxacillin or vancomycin). Patients were included if cultures showed the presence of bacteremia or deep-seated infections with Staphylococcus aureus (104 patients) or catheter-related bacteremia due to drug-susceptible, coagulase-negative staphylococci (23 patients).

RESULTS

The cure rate in the intention-to-treat analysis was 78% for the fleroxacin-rifampicin group (68 patients) and 75% for the standard therapy group (59 patients; 47 received flucloxacillin, and 12 received vancomycin); in the population of clinically evaluable patients (n=119), the cure rate was 82% and 80%, respectively; and in the population of microbiologically evaluable patients (n=103), the cure rate was 86% and 84%, respectively. Clinical and bacteriological failures after S. aureus infections were documented in similar proportions of patients. The median length of hospital stay after study entry was 12 days in the fleroxacin-rifampicin group, compared with 23 days in the standard treatment group (P=.006). More adverse events probably related to the study drug were reported in the fleroxacin-rifampicin group than in the standard therapy group (15 of 68 vs. 5 of 59 patients; P=.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that an oral regimen containing a fluoroquinolone plus rifampicin may be effective for treating staphylococcal infections, allowing earlier discharge from the hospital.

A pilot study of oral fleroxacin once daily compared with conventional therapy in patients with pyogenic liver abscess

The object of this open-label, randomized, comparative study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fleroxacin versus conventional therapy (cefazolin plus gentamicin/cephalexin) in the treatment of patients with bacterial liver abscess. Thirty-one adult patients (26 men and 5 women) received fleroxacin 400 mg orally once daily for 3 weeks, and 30 adult patients (21 men and 9 women) received conventional therapy for 3 to 4 weeks. Patients was assessed on day 3 of treatment, thereafter every week during treatment, and at 7 to 14 days (compulsory follow-up) after treatment for assessment of bacteriologic, clinical, and safety parameters. A total of 20 patients in the fleroxacin group and 22 patients in the conventional therapy group were evaluated. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen isolated in all evaluable cases. Bacteriologic cure was achieved in 14 (70%) of 20 patients on fleroxacin therapy compared with 18 (81.8%) of 22 patients on conventional therapy (p=0.48). Clinical cure was achieved in 12 (60%) and 18 (81.8%) patients, and improvement in 2 (10%) and 1 (4.5%) patients in the fleroxacin and conventional therapy group, respectively. Most of adverse effects were of mild intensity. Oral fleroxacin once-daily administration is an effective, alternative treatment of bacterial liver abscess.

Solid facial edema in a patient with rosacea

We report a 53-year old man with symmetrical nonpitting edema, conjunctivitis, and acneiform eruptions on the face. Histopathological examination showed perifollicular lymphohistiocytic infiltration and telangiectasias in the upper dermis. Loosely aggregated non-caseating granulomas were scattered through the dermis; some of them were seen in the perifollicular regions. The patient was treated with fleroxacin (100 mg/day, orally) for two weeks with a marked reduction of both solid facial edema and periorbital edema.

Efficacy of amikacin, ofloxacin, pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin and fleroxacin in experimental left-sided Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis

The efficacies of amikacin, ofloxacin, pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin and fleroxacin, each as monotherapy, were evaluated in a rabbit model of induced left-sided Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis. Therapy started 48 h after infection and lasted 5 days. All agents were given intramuscularly; amikacin at 7 mg/kg/12 h, and each quinolone at 35 mg/kg/12 h. All animals survived except for 1 of the group that received amikacin, and 2 of the untreated control group. No sterile vegetations were found in the untreated group and the group of fleroxacin, while 3 animals from the amikacin, ofloxacin, and enoxacin groups, and 2 from the ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin groups had sterile vegetations. All agents used significantly reduced the number of CFU per gram of vegetation versus untreated controls. Enoxacin and ciprofloxacin were equipotent and more effective than pefloxacin, ofloxacin and amikacin. Fleroxacin had a weaker activity.

[The serum bactericidal activity of domestic fleroxacin and lomefloxacin]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate antibacterial activities in vivo and in vitro of fleroxacin and lomefloxacin.

METHODS

Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and serum bactericidal activity (SBA) domestic fleroxacin and lomefloxacin were determined by agar disk dilution method and microplate method respectively. A clinical observation of fleroxacin and lomefloxacin for treating acute bacillary dysentery was carried out.

RESULTS

MIC(90) of fleroxacin against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. dysenteriae, S. aureus was 0.25-2 mg/L, being the same as that of ofloxacin. However, MIC(90) of lomefloxacin against the above mentioned species was twice or fourfold as that of ofloxacin and fleroxacin. The percent age of peak SBA > or = 1:8 with ofloxacin, fleroxacin and lomefloxacin against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. dysenteriae was 80%-100%, 90%-100% and 50%-80% respectively (P < 0.01). The clinical cure rates of acute bacillary dysentery were 93.3%, 100% and 100% and the bacterial clearance rates were 93.3%, 100% and 100% in the lomefloxacin, fleroxacin and ofloxacin group respectively.

CONCLUSION

The antibacterial activity in vivo and in vitro of fleroxacin against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. dysenteriae was similar to that of ofloxacin and stronger than that of lomefloxacin.

Activity of quinolones against viridans group streptococci isolated from blood cultures of patients with haematological malignancy

Use of fluoroquinolones for antimicrobial prophylaxis during neutropenia is often cited as a significant predisposing factor for viridans group streptococcus (VGS) bacteraemia. Newer compounds in this class are reputed to have enhanced activity against Gram-positive bacteria, and we determined the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for ciprofloxacin and three of the newer compounds: trovafloxacin, fleroxacin and clinafloxacin, against 44 isolates of VGS. On a gravimetric basis, clinafloxacin was most active (MIC90 0.19 mg/l), whereas ciprofloxacin and fleroxacin were the least active (both MIC90 16 mg/l). Clinafloxacin warrants further study as an agent of prophylaxis against bacterial infection in neutropenic patients.

Prospective randomized comparative study of antibiotic prophylaxis in urethrocystoscopy and urethrocystography

BACKGROUND

There has been a great deal of discussion regarding the necessity of the prophylactic use of antibiotics in transurethral procedures. In order to clarify this complicated issue, a randomized prospective study was performed for patients undergoing urethrocystoscopy or urethrocystography.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent urethrocystoscopy or urethrocystography and did not have pyuria and bacteriuria were included and divided randomly into 2 groups, either receiving a prophylactic antibiotic or no antibiotic. For antibiotic prophylaxis, 200 mg of sparfloxacin or fleroxacin were administered within a 1-hour period before the urethrocystoscopic or urethrocystographic examination, respectively. Analyses were performed on patients who were seen within 1 month after the examination, using the appearance of pyuria, bacteriuria, or a febrile infection as the endpoint.

RESULTS

Of 47 patients undergoing urethrocystoscopy, 45 were eligible for analysis, and of these, sparfloxacin was administered to 21 patients. Thirty-three of 37 patients undergoing urethrocystography were eligible for analysis with fleroxacin administered to 16 patients. There were no significant differences in the background factors between the 2 groups undergoing either transurethral examination. None of the patients in either group developed pyuria, bacteriuria or a febrile infection after the examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic administration of antibiotics is not necessarily essential in urethrocystoscopy or urethrocystography in patients with sterile urine.

[Fleroxacin treatment for acute uncomplicated cystitis in women: comparison of 3-day and 7-day therapy]

The clinical efficacy of fleroxacin (FLRX), a new fluoroquinolone, for acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) in women was assessed. Two regimens, 3-day and 7-day courses of FLRX, 200 mg once a day, were compared. Clinical and bacteriological efficacy were evaluated after the therapy, and recurrence rate was evaluated 1 week and 4 weeks after termination of the therapy. Of 136 registered subjects, 35 in the 3-day group and 47 in the 7-day group were evaluated. According to the criteria of Japanese UTI Committee (3rd edition), the rate of excellent results was significantly higher in the 7-day group (78.9%) than in the 3-day group (48.6%), but the overall clinical efficacy rate was similar being 100% and 97.9%, respectively. Although no recurrence was seen 1 week after the therapy in either group, recurrence was seen in 14.3% and 7.4% of the cases in the 3-day and 7-day groups, respectively, 4 weeks after the therapy. Adverse reactions were observed in 2 and 3 cases in the 3-day and 7-day groups, respectively. Both 3-day and 7-day regimens of FLRX treatment showed good efficacy. Although the 7-day treatment was superior to the 3-day treatment as to high rate of excellent results and low rate of recurrence, the 3-day treatment was concluded to be sufficient for AUC.

Transurethral prostatectomy in patients with preoperative bacteriuria: double-blind study with oral fleroxacin and cefalexin

We compared oral fleroxacin and cefalexin in the prevention of postoperative infectious complications after transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) in patients with preoperative bacteriuria. 95 patients underwent TURP due to benign prostatic hyperplasia with preoperative bacteriuria. The therapy consisted of 7 days of oral fleroxacin 400 mg once a day or cefalexin 500 mg three times daily. After 2 weeks, 62% of the urine samples were sterile in the fleroxacin groups but only 37% in the cefalexin group (p = 0.047). Patients in the cefalexin group had also statistically significantly more symptoms of urinary tract infections. After 6 weeks, the bacterial eradication rate was 53% in the fleroxacin group and 37% in the cefalexin group. There were no septicemias. TURP can be performed with reasonable safety with this oral antibiotic therapy.

Fleroxacin 400 mg once daily versus ofloxacin 400 mg twice daily in skin and soft tissue infections

The efficacy and safety of 10 days' oral treatment with fleroxacin 400 mg once daily were compared with those of ofloxacin 400 mg twice daily in adults with skin and soft tissue infections. The most common diagnoses were skin abscess, cellulitis and wound infection. The most commonly-isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci. Overall bacteriological cure rates in patients with susceptible pathogens were 89% for 158 fleroxacin-treated patients and 97% for 157 ofloxacin-treated patients (treatment difference 8%; 95% confidence intervals 2-14%; p < 0.05). Clinical cure rates were 78% for fleroxacin and 83% for ofloxacin (treatment difference 5%; 95% confidence intervals-5-14%, not statistically significant). The overall safety profiles were similar and the most frequently reported events were insomnia, headache, dizziness, and digestive system disorders. More fleroxacin-treated patients experienced phototoxicity and treatment-limiting adverse events. In conclusion, compared to twice-daily ofloxacin, fleroxacin had similar clinical efficacy and the advantage of once-a-day dosing, but with slightly lower bacteriological cure rate and a higher rate of treatment-limiting adverse events.

Attenuation of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by fleroxacin

The effect of fleroxacin on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was evaluated with female Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were injected during 4 or 10 days with saline (NaCl; 0.9%), gentamicin alone at doses of 10 and 40 mg/kg of body weight/12 h (subcutaneously), fleroxacin alone at a dose of 25 mg/kg/12 h (intraperitoneally), or the combination gentamicin-fleroxacin in the same regimen. Gentamicin induced a dose- and time-dependent renal toxicity as evaluated by gentamicin cortical levels, sphingomyelinase activity in the renal cortex, histopathologic and morphometric analysis, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, and cellular regeneration ([3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA of cortical cells). The extent of these changes was significantly reduced when gentamicin was given in combination with fleroxacin. Although the mechanisms by which fleroxacin reduces the nephrotoxic potential of gentamicin are unknown, we propose that the fleroxacin-gentamicin combination enhances exocytosis activity in proximal tubular cells, as suggested by the higher excretion of urinary enzymes and lower cortical levels of gentamicin observed in animals treated with the combination fleroxacin-gentamicin compared with those treated with gentamicin alone. The protective effect of fleroxacin on gentamicin nephrotoxicity should be investigated further.

Atypical pneumonia in the Nordic countries: aetiology and clinical results of a trial comparing fleroxacin and doxycycline. Nordic Atypical Pneumonia Study Group

Community-aquired pneumonia caused by atypical bacteria or viruses was studied in a double-blind trial comparing fleroxacin 400 mg od and doxycycline 100 mg bd for 10 days. The aetiology was confirmed in 258 of 411 cases (66%), of which 133 were caused by Mycoplasma spp., Chlamydia spp. or Legionella spp.; 30 patients had viral infection, nine had pneumococcal or Haemophilus influenzae infection and 93 had mixed aetiology. In intention-to-treat analyses clinical response rates in fleroxacin-treated patients were 86% (157/182) and 75% (137/182) 2-8 days and 3-5 weeks after therapy, respectively. Corresponding results with doxycycline were 93% (177/191) and 85% (162/190), respectively. Differences between treatments seemed to be due to the lower activity of fleroxacin compared with doxycycline against mycoplasma and pneumococci. Drug-related adverse events were reported in 39% of 204 fleroxacin patients and in 34% of 207 doxycycline patients. The null hypothesis that fleroxacin was <15% inferior to doxycycline was accepted at early follow-up but rejected at later review.

Complicated urinary infection in spinal injury patients: fleroxacin compared with ciprofloxacin

The efficacy and safety of fleroxacin and ciprofloxacin were evaluated in a single-centre, prospective, randomised, blinded study of patients with complicated urinary infection in a spinal injury unit. Patients were randomised to receive oral fleroxacin 400 mg once daily (n = 68) or oral ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily (n = 65) for 10 days. Clinical cure assessed 5-9 days after therapy was obtained in 41 of 42 (98%) assessable patients in the fleroxacin group, and in 41 of 43 (95%) of the ciprofloxacin group, and was maintained at the 6-week follow-up visit in all but 1 patient in each group. Bacteriological eradication rates 5-9 days after therapy exceeded 88% in the fleroxacin group and 86% in the ciprofloxacin group, and 69 and 65%, respectively, 6 weeks after completion of therapy. Adverse events occurred in a similarly low percentage of patients (19 and 20%) in both treatment groups, and consisted primarily of nausea. Once daily fleroxacin appears to be as safe and effective as twice daily ciprofloxacin and both represent efficacious treatment in complicated urinary infection in spinal injury patients.

[A clinical study in the treatment of acute bacterial infections with fleroxacin]

The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fleroxacin and to compare with those of lomefloxacin. A randomized controlled study was carried out to treat sixty patients with urinary tract and respiratory tract bacterial infections, thirty in each group with one of the two drugs, and fifty cases were treated with fleroxacin in an open trial. Altogether there were one hundred and ten cases. Both fleroxacin and lomefloxacin were given orally, the dosage was 200 mg every 12 hours or 400 mg every 24 hours for 7-14 days. The clinical efficacy rate was 93.3%; the culturing rate in the fleroxacin group was 83.3%; the bacterial clearance rate was 92.3%, the incidence of adverse reactions was 9.4%, while in the lomefloxacin group they were 90.0%, 80.0%, 87.5% and 6.7% respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the open and randomized trials, fleroxacin cured eighty cases of bacterial infections, the overall clinical efficacy rate was 90.0%, the culturing rate in the flero-xacin group was 83.8%, the bacterial clearance rate was 88.2% and the incidence of adverse reactions was 9.6%. It is shown that fleroxacin is an antibiotic of broad-spectrum, high efficacy and safety.

Single oral dose treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women

A single oral dose of an antimicrobial agent is as effective as a conventional 3-day course for the treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections. A case history of a young woman with recurrent cystitis is presented to demonstrate this approach to the management of a common clinical problem. The place of antimicrobial prophylaxis is also discussed.

Fleroxacin overview

Fleroxacin is a new oral and intravenous trifluorinated 4-quinolone, which acts by inhibiting the essential bacterial enzyme DNA gyrase. Fleroxacin exhibits a broad spectrum of action, characterized by pronounced activity against aerobic gram-negative bacteria, but also against gram-positive pathogens such as staphylococci. Fleroxacin is distinguished by its excellent bioavailability, high concentrations in the plasma and other body fluids, good tissue penetration, and a long half-life of 10-12 h, thus allowing once-a-day administration. A single oral dose of 400 mg fleroxacin is effective in uncomplicated cystitis in women, uncomplicated gonococcal infections, bacterial enteritis, and traveler's diarrhea. A single daily dose of 200 mg administered for 3 days is effective in uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI), while longer treatment and higher doses may be required in acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis and complicated UTI. Skin, soft tissue, bone and joint infections, and lower respiratory tract infections including exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and non-pneumococcal pneumonia are further indications for fleroxacin.

Quinolones in everyday clinical practice: respiratory tract infections and nosocomial pneumonia

Currently available fluoroquinolones have established their value in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections due to gram-negative rods and Staphylococcus aureus. The fact that these drugs are absorbed (and well tolerated) when given orally is a major positive feature. The once daily dosage of fleroxacin [400 mg once daily intravenously (i.v.) for 2-4 days followed by oral doses of 400 mg for up to 10 days] was compared with twice daily ciprofloxacin (400 mg twice daily i.v. for 2-4 days followed by oral doses of 2 x 500 mg for up to 10 days) for treatment of inpatients with pneumonia confirmed by clinical signs and chest X ray. To date, 93 evaluable patients have been enrolled in this study. Clinical cure and improvement rates were 73.3% in the fleroxacin group and 79.2% in the ciprofloxacin group. The rate of adverse clinical or laboratory events was similar in both study groups.

Fleroxacin in complicated urinary tract infections

The clinical evaluation of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) requires clinically useful categorization of patients plus concurrent laboratory diagnosis. Appropriate diagnostics include (1) proper collection techniques, (2) quantitative urine culture, (3) urinalysis to determine pyuria, and (4) radiological, urological and gynecological evaluation. Categorization of patients suffering from UTIs should take into consideration (1) the site of infection, (2) the clinical presentation, (3) the frequency of infections, and (4) the coexistence of complicating factors. UTIs in men and older women are mostly complicated. The characterization of a UTI as complicated or uncomplicated is important since in the former condition, multiresistant nosocomial microorganisms are frequently encountered. Experience with fleroxacin 200 or 400 mg once daily (o.d.) in > 1,000 patients with complicated UTIs in noncomparative and comparative trials with other quinolones and cephalosporins has been very promising, with overall clinical and bacteriological cure rates of 86-95 and 89-95%, respectively. As with other quinolones, relapses and superinfections were mostly attributed to Enterococcus, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas spp. The reported results make oral o.d. fleroxacin appropriate as an alternative to parenteral antimicrobials or for intravenous-to-oral switch therapy in complicated UTIs.

Fleroxacin. A review of its pharmacology and therapeutic efficacy in various infections

The fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent fleroxacin has a broad spectrum of in vitro activity which encompasses most Gram-negative species (particularly Enterobacteriaceae) and a number of Gram-positive organisms, including methicillin-sensitive staphylococci. It is available as oral and intravenous formulations. In clinical trials, fleroxacin has been evaluated in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (single or multiple once-daily oral doses of 200 or 400mg), gonorrhoea and chancroid (single oral doses of 200 or 400mg), complicated urinary tract, nonpneumococcal lower respiratory tract and skin and soft tissue infections and typhoid fever (multiple once-daily oral or intravenous regimens, usually 400 mg/day), bacterial enteritis, and traveller's diarrhoea (single or multiple once-daily oral doses of 400mg). Bacteriological cure rates were generally around 90% or higher in complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, uncomplicated gonorrhoea (approximately 100%), pyelonephritis, bacterial enteritis and typhoid fever, and exceeded 80% in lower respiratory tract, and skin and soft tissue infections and chancroid. These cure rates were similar to, or better than, those achieved with standard comparator antibacterial agents such as penicillins, cephalosporins, cotrimoxazole, or other quinolones. Fleroxacin 400mg once daily also achieved bacteriological cure in approximately 80% of patients with bone and joint infections in preliminary studies. In Japanese studies using a lower dosage of 200 or 300 mg/day, fleroxacin was reported to be bacteriologically effective in a range of infections, including urinary tract and upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Fleroxacin has a relatively long elimination half-life, which allows once-daily administration, and it appears to have less propensity for interactions with other medications in comparison to many other fluoroquinolones. Its tolerability profile is typical of this class of compound, with adverse events mostly relating to the gastrointestinal tract, CNS, and skin and appendages (including phototoxicity). Recent pooled tolerability data from worldwide clinical trials indicate that adverse events are reported by approximately 27% of patients receiving 200 mg/day orally or 400 mg/day orally or intravenously, and 17% of those receiving a single oral dose of 400mg. These exceed incidences reported for established fluoroquinolones, possibly indicating recent trends towards increased rates of reported adverse effects with these agents. However, in direct comparative studies with twice-daily fluoroquinolones, fleroxacin 400mg once daily produced a similar incidence of adverse effects to ofloxacin 800 mg/day and a slightly higher incidence than ciprofloxacin 1000 mg/day, while fleroxacin 200mg once daily produced a similar incidence to norfloxacin 800 mg/day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Basic and clinical studies of fleroxacin on infectious enteritis. Research Group of AM-833 on infectious enteritis]

A clinical study was conducted on fleroxacin (FLRX) in 143 patients and carriers with infectious enteritis (shigellosis, Salmonella enteritis, Campylobacter enteritis, pathogenic Escherichia coli enteritis, Vibrio parahaemolyticus enteritis, cholera, multiple bacterial infections, pathogen-negative enteritis). Furthermore, its antibacterial activity against clinical isolates, fecal concentration and effect on fecal microflora were conducted. FLRX was administered orally in doses of 200 mg once a day (200 mg group) or 300 mg once a day (300 mg group) for 3 days to cholera, for 7 days to Salmonella enteritis and for 5 days to the other infectious enteritis. The clinical efficacy rates were 100% in both the 200 mg and 300 mg groups. The bacteriological efficacy rates were 100% against Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., pathogenic E. coli, V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae O1, and 63.6% against Campylobacter spp. in the 200 mg group. The rates of the 300 mg group were 93.3% against Shigella spp., and 100% against Campylobacter spp. and pathogenic E. coli. As adverse effects, skin rash was observed in 1 case each in both groups (1.1%, 2.1%). Abnormal laboratory findings consisted of 1 case of increased eosinophils and 1 case of elevated GOT and GPT levels in the 200 mg group (2.8%), and 1 case of elevated GPT in the 300 mg group (2.9%). The clinical usefulness rates were 92.9% and 93.3% in the 200 mg and 300 mg groups, respectively. Antibacterial activity was somewhat inferior to that fo ciprofloxacin and equal to or better than that of norfloxacin, demonstrating MIC90 values against Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., pathogenic E. coli, V. parahaemolyticus and Campylobacter spp. of 0.1, 0.2, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.78 micrograms/ml, respectively. Peak fecal concentrations of the drug were 49.0 micrograms/g and 274.4 micrograms/g in the 200 mg group, and 43.3 micrograms/g and below the detection limit (5.0 micrograms/g) in the 300 mg group. With respect to fecal microflora (4 cases), a decrease in Enterobacteriaceae was observed in 3 cases during dosing. But this change showed a tendency to recover after completion of dosing. No effects were observed on anaerobic bacteria.

Treatment of travellers' diarrhoea with fleroxacin: a case study

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fleroxacin for one or two days as treatment for patients with travellers' diarrhoea. A total of 195 patients who were suffering with acute diarrhoea of less than six days' duration were enrolled. One hundred and fifty-one patients, of whom 49 received placebo, 54 received fleroxacin 400 mg for one day and 48 received fleroxacin 400 mg for two days, were included in the analysis of efficacy. The results showed that fleroxacin was significantly superior to placebo, but that there was no significant difference in terms of efficacy between the one- and two-day regimens. Adverse events, particularly minor neuropsychiatric disturbances such as headache and insomnia, were significantly more common amongst patients receiving active treatment. In conclusion, a single dose of fleroxacin 400 mg could be recommended as self-treatment for visitors to high-risk countries who develop travellers' diarrhoea.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of E-4868, a new fluoroquinolone with a 7-azetidin ring substituent

E-4868, (-)-7-[3-(R)-amino-2-(S)-methyl-1-azetidinyl]-1-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid, is a new fluoroquinolone with an azetidine moiety at the 7 position. The in vitro activity of E-4868 has been compared with those of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and fleroxacin, while the activity of ciprofloxacin was used as reference for in vivo studies. The MICs of E-4868 for 90% of the isolates tested (MIC90s) were 0.06 to 0.5 microgram/ml against gram-positive organisms, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus spp. In general, the in vitro potency of E-4868 against gram-positive bacteria was higher than those of all of the other fluoroquinolones tested. MIC90s against members of the family Enterobacteriaceae between 0.03 and 1 microgram/ml were observed, with the exception of those against Serratia marcescens and Providencia spp., and a MIC90 of 2 micrograms/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was obtained. E-4868 inhibited 90% of the Clostridium spp. and Bacteroides spp. at 2 micrograms/ml and was twofold more active than ciprofloxacin. An increase in the Mg2+ concentration from 1 to 10 mM increased the MIC between two and three times. Human urine caused a significant decrease in activity of E-4868, which was more pronounced at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.2. The presence of serum also decreased the activity of E-4868. Fifty percent effective dose (ED50) values against experimental Escherichia coli HM-42 infections in mice were 3.9 mg/kg of body weight with E-4868 and 3.5 mg/kg of body weight with ciprofloxacin. Corresponding ED50 values against P. aeruginosa HS-116 were 93.2 and 107.8 mg/kg, respectively, and those against Staphylococcus aureus HS-93 were 6.5 and 44.6 mg/kg, respectively. In experimental infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae 84551, the ED50 value of E-4868 was 154.4 mg/kg, while ciprofloxacin proved totally inactive at a dose of 400 mg/kg. When E-4868 was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg in mice, the area under the concentration-time curve (0 to 4 h) value was 28.4 microgram . h/ml, while an area under the concentration-time curve value of 2.3 microgram . h/ml was observed for ciprofloxacin at the same dose. In these studies, levels of the two agents in blood 1 h postadministration were 7.6 and 1.2 microgram/ml, respectively.

Efficacy of oral fleroxacin in bone and joint infections

Bone and joint infections have traditionally required long-term parenteral antimicrobial therapy, which is often expensive and inconvenient. Because of their excellent absorption and tissue penetration, oral quinolones may provide an alternative to parenteral therapy. This multicenter study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral fleroxacin in osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. A total of 96 patients with either septic arthritis or acute or chronic osteomyelitis from 17 U.S. centers were enrolled in a noncomparative study using oral fleroxacin 400 mg per day. Patients with implantable devices were excluded. Proof of infection for evaluability required clinical findings in addition to bacteriologic recovery of a susceptible organism from synovial fluid or bone. Treatment lasted 2-12 weeks. Clinical and bacteriologic outcomes were judged at the conclusion of therapy and in the 6-week follow-up period. A total of 30 patients qualified for efficacy analysis (26 osteomyelitis, 4 septic arthritis). Bacteriologic cure was achieved in 77% of the osteomyelitis group and 50% of the septic arthritis group. Clinical cures were reported in 54% of the osteomyelitis group and 50% of the septic arthritis group. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently recovered pathogen (62% evaluable cases). Safety was evaluated in 96 patients. The most common side effects were nausea, vomiting, and skin reactions. Oral fleroxacin may be a safe, effective, and certainly less expensive alternative to standard intravenous antimicrobial therapy in patients with bone and joint infections.

Open trial of oral fleroxacin versus amoxicillin/clavulanate in the treatment of infections of skin and soft tissue

In a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial, fleroxacin was compared with amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (AMX/CP) for the treatment of infections of skin and soft tissue. Fleroxacin was given at a dosage of 400 mg once daily, and AMX/CP was given at a dosage of 500 mg/125 mg three times a day. Each was administered for 4-21 days. Adult patients with the clinical diagnosis of skin or soft tissue infections were eligible for enrollment. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio. A total of 191 patients were enrolled; 126 took fleroxacin, and 65 took AMX/CP. Of these patients, 42 in the fleroxacin group and 26 in the AMX/CP group were evaluable for both clinical and bacteriologic efficacies. Patients with abscesses comprised the largest single category in each group. Principle reasons for exclusion included: patients lost to follow-up (17 [13%] fleroxacin, 12 [18%] AMX/CP); failure to isolate a causative pathogen (19 [15%] fleroxacin, 9 [14%] AMX/CP); and resistance to study drug (11 [9%] fleroxacin, 2 [3%] AMX/CP). Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen. Streptococcus group A, Staphylococcus coagulase-negative, Escherichia coli, and Proteus species, in decreasing order, were the next most common pathogens. Clinical and bacteriologic efficacy was excellent in both groups, with a cure rate of > or = 90%. There were two bacteriologic failures in each group. Patients taking fleroxacin complained of slightly more adverse events, which involved primarily the digestive and central nervous systems. The rate of withdrawal from the study because of adverse events was 4% in both groups. Fleroxacin, 400 mg given once daily, is safe and as effective as AMX/CP in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections in adults.

Comparative efficacy and safety of oral fleroxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium in skin and soft tissue infections

The objective of this open-label, randomized, multicenter study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fleroxacin, 400 mg administered orally once daily, and amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (AMX/CP), 500 mg/125 mg administered orally three times daily, for 4-21 days to patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). The specific diagnoses in both groups were primarily skin abscess, impetigo, and skin ulcer, as well as wound infection erysipelas, folliculitis, cellulitis, and lymphangitis. A total of 285 patients were randomized to treatment in a 2:1 ratio, 190 in the fleroxacin group and 95 in the AMX/CP group. Adult male or female inpatients or outpatients were included in the trial and were followed up after 3-5 days of therapy and 3-9 days after completion of therapy for assessment of bacteriologic, clinical, and safety parameters. The most frequently isolated pathogen in both treatment groups was Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteriologic cures were observed in 87 (76%) of 115 evaluable patients in the fleroxacin group and in 41 (72%) of 57 evaluable patients in the AMX/CP group. Clinical cure was seen in 86 (75%) of 114 patients in the fleroxacin group and 45 (79%) of 57 patients in the AMX/CP group. Clinical adverse events related to the trial medication were reported by 40 (21%) of 189 patients in the fleroxacin group and by 16 (17%) of 95 patients in the AMX/CP group. In both groups, most adverse events were mild or moderate in severity and involved the digestive system (primarily diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting). In the fleroxacin group, adverse events affecting the central nervous system (mainly dizziness, insomnia, somnolence) also were reported. In this study, both fleroxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium were effective and well tolerated in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections.

Randomized double-blind trial of high- and low-dose fleroxacin versus norfloxacin for complicated urinary tract infection

Patients were entered in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to compare low- and high-dose fleroxacin with norfloxacin for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection (UTI). A total of 296 patients were enrolled; 102, 97, and 97 patients were randomized to receive 200 mg of fleroxacin (low-dose), 400 mg of fleroxacin (high-dose), both once daily, or 400 mg of norfloxacin twice daily, respectively, for 10 days. Of these patients, 101, 94, and 95 were included in the safety analysis, and 71, 61, and 58 in the efficacy analysis. The main reason for exclusion from the efficacy analysis was failure to isolate a pathogen at baseline. The groups were comparable with respect to demographics. In the low-dose fleroxacin group, 68 (96%) of 71 patients had bacteriologic cures (eight with superinfection), compared with 56 (92%) of 61 in the high-dose fleroxacin group (two with superinfection) and 52 (90%) of 58 in the norfloxacin group (four with superinfection). Escherichia coli was the most frequent isolate in all groups. In the low-dose fleroxacin group, clinical cure was recorded in 61 (86%) of 71, improvement in six, and failure in four. In the high-dose group, clinical cure was noted in 58 (95%) of 61 patients, improvement in two, and failure in one. In the norfloxacin group, 50 (86%) of 58 patients were clinically cured, four were improved, and four failed. Clinical adverse events were reported by 22 (22%) of 101, 36 (38%) of 94, and 19 (20%) of 95 patients in the low-dose fleroxacin, high-dose fleroxacin, and norfloxacin groups, respectively. Insomnia and nausea were reported most frequently in the fleroxacin groups, and nausea and headache were most common in the norfloxacin group. The efficacy and safety of low-dose fleroxacin are comparable to those of norfloxacin for treatment of complicated UTI.

Efficacy of fleroxacin versus amoxicillin in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

In a multicenter study the efficacy and safety of oral fleroxacin at 400 mg once a day and amoxicillin at 500 mg three times daily for 7 days were compared for the treatment of patients with acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis due to drug-susceptible bacteria. A total of 194 patients were enrolled, 102 in the fleroxacin group and 92 in the amoxicillin group. Of those enrolled, 22 in the fleroxacin group and 30 (29 for clinical efficacy) in the amoxicillin group were included in the efficacy analysis. All were included in the safety analysis. Clinical success was noted in 21 (95%) of 22 fleroxacin-treated patients and 22 (76%) of 29 amoxicillin-treated patients. Bacteriologic cure was obtained in 21 (95%) of 22 of the fleroxacin group and 18 (60%) of 30 of the amoxicillin group. One Haemophilus parainfluenzae strain persisted with fleroxacin. Persisting organisms with amoxicillin included Haemophilus influenzae (four), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (three), Escherichia coli (two), Streptococcus pneumoniae (one), Neisseria species (one), and Proteus mirabilis (one). Adverse events were reported by 41% of 102 patients receiving fleroxacin and 15% of 92 patients receiving amoxicillin. Insomnia, dizziness, and nausea occurred more frequently with fleroxacin. Fleroxacin may be indicated for the treatment of acute bacterial infection in chronic bronchitis known to be due to Haemophilus species and Moraxella catarrhalis. The 92% incidence of resistance among the S. pneumoniae isolates recovered from all enrolled patients suggests that fleroxacin may not be useful for such infections.

Fleroxacin versus amoxicillin in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis

The objective of this double-blind, multicenter study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral fleroxacin, 400 mg once daily for 7 days, with amoxicillin, 500 mg administered every 8 hours for 7 days, in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Adult male or female inpatients or outpatients were included. Patients gave informed consent and underwent a physical examination. Appropriate sputum specimens were collected, gramstained, and cultured before and 3-9 days after therapy. Complete blood count, serum chemistry, and urinalysis were performed before and 3-9 days after therapy. Of the 625 enrolled patients, 286 (148 in the fleroxacin group and 138 in the amoxicillin group) were evaluable for efficacy. The rate of bacteriologic cure was 96% (142 of 148) among patients in the fleroxacin group and 83% (114 of 138) among patients in the amoxicillin group, showing a statistically significant superiority for fleroxacin. The rate of clinical cure in the patients evaluable for this parameter was 90% (131 of 145) in the fleroxacin group and 82% (111 of 136) in the amoxicillin group. The differences were not significant, but the trend supported the bacteriologic results. Adverse clinical events related to the trial medication were reported by 61 (19%) of 313 patients receiving fleroxacin and by 27 (9%) of 310 patients treated with amoxicillin. The rates of bacteriologic cure and clinical success for fleroxacin were higher than those for amoxicillin. While the overall rate of adverse events was higher in the fleroxacin group, the proportions of patients with severe adverse events was higher in the fleroxacin group, the proportions of patients with severe adverse events were similar in the two groups. Most of the reported events were not serious or severe and were generally well tolerated, as reflected by the low proportion of premature withdrawals for this reason.

Treatment of acute bacterial diarrhea: a multicenter international trial comparing placebo with fleroxacin given as a single dose or once daily for 3 days

This study was designed to test the efficacy of 400 mg fleroxacin given orally as a single dose or once daily for 3 days against acute bacterial diarrhea. A group of 508 adults with acute diarrhea were entered into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Patients were examined and asked about numbers of liquid stools daily for 3 days and at 5 days after start of treatment. Repeat stool samples were obtained for culture on days 3 and 5 after start of treatment. A total of 332 patients showed stool cultures positive for bacterial pathogens sensitive to fleroxacin and completed their treatments. Patients treated with fleroxacin, both single-dose and 3-day regimens, showed faster clinical improvement than did placebo-treated patients, as shown by earlier cessation of diarrhea (p < 0.001) and reduction in mean number of loose stools per day on days 2, 3, and 5 after start of therapy (p < 0.05). Bacteriologic efficacy was demonstrated by negative stool cultures for initial pathogens on days 3 and 5 after start of therapy in 94% of patients treated with single doses of fleroxacin and in 93% of patients treated with three doses of fleroxacin as compared with 57% of patients treated with placebo (p < 0.001). Patients with cholera, shigellosis, and infections due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus showed both clinical and bacteriologic responses to fleroxacin treatment, whereas patients with salmonellosis showed only bacteriologic responses. The good overall clinical and bacteriologic responses of most patients with acute bacterial diarrhea of fleroxacin indicate that this convenient single-dose therapy should be advantageous for empiric treatment of certain diarrheal illnesses.

Multicenter trial of fleroxacin versus ceftriaxone in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea

In a multicenter, randomized, open, comparative trial, patients with uncomplicated gonorrhea were treated with 400 mg of oral fleroxacin or 250 mg of intramuscular ceftriaxone. A total of 458 men and 447 women were enrolled. Of these, 312 men (68%) and 245 women (55%) were evaluable for efficacy. The treatment groups were demographically similar. Among evaluable men, fleroxacin eradicated 154 of 155 (99%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 98.1-100%) urethral and 2 of 2 pharyngeal infections, while ceftriaxone eradicated 156 of 156 (95% CI: 99.4-100%) urethral and 5 of 5 pharyngeal infections. Among evaluable women, fleroxacin eradicated 127 of 128 (99%; 95% CI: 97.7-100%) cervical, 20 of 20 anorectal, 16 of 16 urethral, and 7 of 7 pharyngeal infections, while ceftriaxone eradicated 108 of 108 (95% CI: 99.1-100%) cervical, 24 of 24 anorectal, 25 of 25 urethral, and 9 of 9 pharyngeal infections. Adverse events were reported by 68 (16%) of 426 subjects in the fleroxacin group and 20 (5%) of 380 in the ceftriaxone group (p < 0.0001). The most common adverse events reported by the patients who received fleroxacin were nausea (5%), headache (3%), and vaginitis (3%). One patient had severe vomiting, 19 participants had adverse reactions classified as moderate, and 48 patients had mild adverse reactions. Fleroxacin was highly effective in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea and represents an oral alternative to ceftriaxone. Adverse events were more common with fleroxacin than with ceftriaxone.

Comparison of oral fleroxacin with oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for treatment of skin and soft tissue infections

Oral fleroxacin, 400 mg once a day, and oral amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (AMX/CP), 400 mg/125 mg three times a day, administered for 4-21 days, were compared for efficacy and safety in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. A total of 113 patients were enrolled in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial; 57 were assigned to fleroxacin and 56 to AMX/CP. A total of 22 and 33 patients in the fleroxacin and AMX/CP groups, respectively, were evaluable for efficacy. The most common diagnoses were skin abscess (14; 62%) and wound infections (5; 23%) in the fleroxacin group and skin abscess (17; 52%) and skin ulcer (9; 27%) in the AMX/CP group. A total of 20 (91%) of the fleroxacin-treated patients and 29 (88%) of the AMX/CP-treated patients were bacteriologically cured (two fleroxacin- and one AMX/CP-treated patients developed super-infection). The eradication rate for Staphylococcus aureus was 100% (11 of 11) in the fleroxacin group and 89% (17 of 19) in the AMX/CP group; 18 (82%) of the fleroxacin group and 25 (76%) of the AMX/CP group were clinically cured. Adverse events were seen in 22% (12 of 54) of the fleroxacin group and 25% (13 of 53) of the AMX/CP group. None were serious. Bacteriologic and clinical cure rates and safety results for the two groups were similar. The small sample size precluded statistical analysis at the 95% confidence level.

A pilot study of oral fleroxacin given once daily in patients with bone and joint infections

The object of this open-label, noncomparative, multicenter study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 400 mg of fleroxacin administered orally once daily for 2-12 weeks to patients with bone and joint infections (osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and prosthetic joint infection). A total of 90 adult patients (56 men and 34 women) were treated at 11 centers. Patients returned on days 5-9 of treatment, subsequently every 2 weeks during treatment, and 0-3 days and 28-42 days (compulsory follow-up) after treatment for assessment of bacteriologic, clinical, and safety parameters. A total of 19 patients (13 with osteomyelitis, 5 with septic arthritis, and 1 with prosthetic joint infection) were bacteriologically evaluable. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen isolated in all evaluable infections. Of the 13 patients with osteomyelitis, 11 (85%) were bacteriologically cured and 10 (77%) were clinically cured. Three of the five patients with septic arthritis and the single patient with a prosthetic joint infection were both bacteriologically and clinically cured. Clinical adverse events related to fleroxacin were reported by 25 (28%) of the 90 patients. Most of these events involved the digestive system (primarily constipation and nausea) and the central nervous system (primarily insomnia and headache). The majority of these were of mild or moderate intensity and occurred during the first 2 weeks of treatment. Adverse events led to premature discontinuation of treatment in seven patients. Bone and joint infections continue to represent a therapeutic challenge. Treatment is based mainly on surgical procedures (drainage, sequestrectomy, ablation of implants, and implantation of cement impregnated with antibiotics) and on parenteral administration of antibiotics, requiring hospitalization of the patient. Fleroxacin, a new fluoroquinolone, has proven in vitro activity against bacteria involved in bone and joint infections. Its oral, once-daily administration, which eliminates hospitalization and its attendant costs, makes this drug an effective outpatient treatment of bone and joint infections.

Efficacy and toxicity of fleroxacin in the treatment of travelers' diarrhea

The efficacy and safety of fleroxacin in brief self-treatment of travelers' diarrhea were studied. In The Gambia, 195 tourists with acute diarrhea were randomized in a double-blind, controlled trial into three treatment groups: fleroxacin 400 mg for 1 day, fleroxacin 400 mg daily for 2 days, and placebo. Microbiology of stools was assessed only at recruitment. In the fleroxacin-treated groups, stool consistency was normal in 67% and 71% of the volunteers after 48 hours, as compared to 37% in the placebo group (p < 0.01). The time to total relief of diarrhea and of all symptoms was also significantly shorter in fleroxacin-treated patients. Adverse events, particularly slight neuropsychiatric reactions (headache, insomnia) were more frequent in the fleroxacin-treated groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy and tolerance if fleroxacin was administered for 1 or 2 days. A single dose of fleroxacin 400 mg may be recommended for the self-treatment of travelers' diarrhea.

Fleroxacin versus norfloxacin in the treatment of urinary tract infections: a multicenter, double-blind, prospective, randomized, comparative study

In a multicenter, double-blind, prospective, randomized, comparative study, fleroxacin, 400 mg once daily orally, was compared with norfloxacin, 400 mg twice daily orally. Each drug was given for 10 days to study efficacy and safety in the treatment of uncomplicated, recurrent, or complicated urinary tract infection (UTI). A total of 587 patients from 22 centers were enrolled and randomly assigned to fleroxacin (n = 291) or norfloxacin (n = 296). Of these, 163 patients in each group were included in the efficacy analysis, and 287 in the fleroxacin group and 292 in the norfloxacin group were included in the safety analysis. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of bacteriologic or clinical efficacy, with cure rates for each diagnostic subgroup of 93-100% in the fleroxacin group and 91-96% in the norfloxacin group. Superinfection, reinfection, or relapse, as well as development of resistance to the administered drugs, were infrequent and comparable in the two groups. Adverse events were documented in a significantly higher number of patients treated with fleroxacin and involved mainly the digestive system, the central nervous system, and the skin. However, > 90% of such adverse events were judged as mild or moderate in severity and did not lead to premature termination of treatment. Fleroxacin exhibited a clinical and bacteriologic efficacy comparable to that of norfloxacin in this group of patients, with cure rates similar to those of other 4-quinolones, suggesting a promising role for fleroxacin in the treatment of both uncomplicated and complicated UTIs. However, the higher incidence of adverse events with fleroxacin warrants further investigation with special focus on adverse reactions.

Multicenter study of single-dose and multiple-dose fleroxacin versus ciprofloxacin in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections

The clinical efficacy and safety of single-dose and multiple-dose fleroxacin were assessed and compared with those of ciprofloxacin in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in this clinical study. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, prospective study compared single-dose therapy with fleroxacin, 400 mg, with 7-day courses of fleroxacin, 200 mg once a day, and ciprofloxacin, 250 mg twice a day, in the treatment of uncomplicated symptomatic UTI in women at 18 centers in the United States. Of 961 patients enrolled, 316 were in the fleroxacin single-dose group, 321 in the fleroxacin 7-day group, and 324 in the ciprofloxacin group. Of these patients, 943 met the criteria for inclusion in the safety analysis and 556 met those for inclusion in the efficacy analysis. Bacteriologic cure rates at 5-9 days after therapy in patients evaluable for efficacy were 88%, 96%, and 96% in the single-dose fleroxacin group, 7-day fleroxacin group, and 7-day ciprofloxacin group, respectively (p < 0.05). Clinical cures occurred in 93.6%, 97.2%, and 98% of the groups, respectively (difference not significant). At 4-6 weeks after therapy, the rates of bacteriologic cure in the single-dose fleroxacin group, 7-day fleroxacin group, and 7-day ciprofloxacin group were 91%, 89%, and 93%, respectively (difference not significant). Adverse events were similar to those with other new quinolones and comparable among the treatment groups. Insomnia was more frequent in patients who received fleroxacin. Fleroxacin and ciprofloxacin as multidose regimens are similarly safe and effective in the treatment of uncomplicated UTI in women. Single-dose fleroxacin achieved a clinical response rate comparable to that achieved by the multiple-dose regimens, whereas its bacteriologic eradication rate was inferior.

Fleroxacin versus norfloxacin for oral treatment of serious urinary tract infections

Fleroxacin, 400 mg once daily, and norfloxacin, 400 mg twice daily, both administered orally, were compared for the treatment of serious urinary tract infections (UTIs). In total, 301 patients from multiple centers who had serious UTIs were randomized to receive fleroxacin or norfloxacin in a double-blind study. The demographic parameters of the two groups were similar. A total of 190 patients were evaluable for efficacy, 94 in the fleroxacin group and 96 in the norfloxacin group. The reasons for exclusion from the efficacy analysis were not significantly different in the two groups, but more patients receiving fleroxacin were prematurely withdrawn from the study. The majority (134) of the diagnoses were complicated UTI, and the pathogens were primarily Enterobacteriaceae. The clinical responses were cure or improvement in 98% of the fleroxacin group and 92% of the norfloxacin group and failure in 2% of the fleroxacin group and 7% of the norfloxacin group. The bacteriologic results by infection were cure in 98% of the fleroxacin group and 89% of the norfloxacin group (including cure with superinfection in 4% of the fleroxacin group and 5% of the norfloxacin group) and failure in 2% of the fleroxacin group and 11% of the norfloxacin group. Adverse events were more common in the fleroxacin group and were mostly nausea, insomnia, and headache. Fleroxacin, 400 mg once daily, was as effective as norfloxacin, 400 mg twice daily, in eradicating UTIs but was associated with more adverse events.

Randomized comparative study of fleroxacin and chloramphenicol in typhoid fever

This study compared fleroxacin, 400 mg daily for 7 or 14 days, with chloramphenicol, 50 mg/kg per day for 14 days, for the treatment of patients with typhoid fever in a multicenter study. A total of 184 patients were randomly assigned to the three treatment groups. Efficacy was determined by culture of blood and stool, overall clinical response, and time to defervescence. Safety was assessed by occurrence of adverse events and laboratory abnormalities. A total of 97 patients were evaluable for efficacy, 28 in the fleroxacin 7-day group, 35 in the fleroxacin 14-day group, and 34 in the chloramphenicol group. All showed rapid defervescence with high cure rates. Bacteriologic cure rates were 96% in the fleroxacin 7-day group, 97% in the fleroxacin 14-day group, and 85% in the chloramphenicol group. Clinical cure rates were 83-100% with fleroxacin and 82% with chloramphenicol. The time to defervescence was shorter for patients treated with fleroxacin than for those treated with chloramphenicol. All three treatment regimens were well tolerated. Fleroxacin, 400 mg daily for 7 days, appears to be satisfactory for the treatment of typhoid fever and compares favorably with the standard 14-day therapy with chloramphenicol.

Comparison of fleroxacin and amoxicillin in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

Fleroxacin, 400 mg, was compared with amoxicillin, 3,000 mg, each administered orally in a single dose, for the treatment of women with acute uncomplicated symptomatic urinary tract infections. A total of 142 patients were randomized to receive fleroxacin, and 147 patients to receive amoxicillin. Of these, 33 in the fleroxacin group and 39 in the amoxicillin group were considered bacteriologically evaluable. Cure at 5-9 days after treatment was achieved in 32 (97%) of the fleroxacin-treated patients and in 22 (56%) of the amoxicillin-treated patients (p < 0.001). For the most frequently isolated pathogen (Escherichia coli), all 24 isolates were eradicated in the fleroxacin group, as were 11 of 25 in the amoxicillin group. At 6 weeks after therapy, bacteriologic cure was maintained in 20 (95%) of the 21 evaluable patients who received fleroxacin and in 8 (89%) of 9 evaluable patients who received amoxicillin. There were no reinfections in either group. A total of 280 patients were assessed for safety. Clinical adverse events were reported in 32 (23%) of 137 patients in the fleroxacin group and in 19 (13%) of the 143 patients in the amoxicillin group. In both groups, the most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal, while adverse events involving the central nervous system were more frequent in patients who received fleroxacin. On the basis of this study, it appears that fleroxacin is demonstrably more effective than amoxicillin as single-dose therapy for uncomplicated urinary tract infection.

Fleroxacin in the treatment of chancroid: an open study in men seropositive or seronegative for the human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Fleroxacin was prescribed to treat both HIV-negative and HIV-positive men with proven chancroid in an open study. HIV-negative men were treated with a single 400-mg dose of fleroxacin, and HIV-positive men were treated with 400 mg daily for 5 days. Three of the 58 evaluable HIV-negative men were clinical and microbiologic failures, and two of the 22 evaluable HIV-positive men had persisting infection with Haemophilus ducreyi. Both regimens were well tolerated. Fleroxacin is an acceptable alternative to existing treatment regimens for chancroid in men.

Fleroxacin versus ofloxacin in patients with complicated urinary tract infection: a controlled clinical study

This prospectively randomized study compared fleroxacin, 400 mg once daily, with ofloxacin, 200 mg twice daily, administered orally for 7-14 days for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in hospitalized, urologic patients. A total of 80 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 30 patients treated with fleroxacin and 35 treated with ofloxacin could be evaluated for therapeutic efficacy. Of the causative organisms, 29 of 30 in the fleroxacin group and 33 of 35 in the ofloxacin group were eliminated. One relapse occurred in the fleroxacin group and two in the ofloxacin group. Reinfection with gram-positive isolates was seen in five patients treated with fleroxacin and in one treated with ofloxacin. Thus, the cure rate was 24 (80%) of 30 in the fleroxacin group and 32 (91%) of 35 in the ofloxacin group. In general, both antibiotics were well tolerated. Four patients in the fleroxacin group and five in the ofloxacin group claimed mild, possibly drug-related adverse effects. The treatment of one patient in the ofloxacin group had to be discontinued because of an adverse effect (headache). Both fleroxacin and ofloxacin are effective and well-tolerated antibiotics for the treatment of complicated UTI.

Systemic antimicrobial therapy for skin and skin structure infections: comparison of fleroxacin and ceftazidime

Intravenous fleroxacin, 400 mg once a day, was compared with ceftazidime, 0.5-2 g three times a day or 1-2 g twice a day, for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections. Duration of treatment was 4-21 days. The study was a multicenter, unblinded comparison. Of the 316 patients enrolled, 212 were randomized to treatment with fleroxacin and 104 to ceftazidime (2:1 ratio); 92 fleroxacin-treated patients and 50 ceftazidime-treated patients were included in the standard analysis of efficacy. The most common diagnoses were wound infections and cellulitis, which affected 36% and 30% of the fleroxacin group, and 24% and 24% of the ceftazidime group, respectively. In the fleroxacin group, 82% of the infecting organisms were eradicated, and in the ceftazidime group, 79%. The overall rates of bacteriologic cure, by infection, were 79% for the fleroxacin group and 74% for the ceftazidime group, and those for clinical cure were 82% and 73%, respectively. It could not be concluded with 95% confidence that the two regimens resulted in equivalent cure rates because the range of between-group differences was outside the stipulated limits of +/- 15%. The percentage of patients with one or more adverse events was approximately twice as high (17% vs. 9%) in the fleroxacin group than in the ceftazidime group. The most frequent event in both groups was nausea. In this study, intravenous therapy with fleroxacin or ceftazidime produced similar bacteriologic and clinical cure rates, but the statistical requirements permitting a conclusion of equivalence at protocol levels were not met.