A phase III, placebo controlled clinical trial of 0.5% levofloxacin ophthalmic solution for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution (Quixin) with placebo for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.


METHODS
In this prospective, randomised, placebo controlled, double masked, multicentre study, 249 patients with bacterial conjunctivitis received either 0.5% levofloxacin (n = 126) or placebo (n = 123) for 5 days, administered every 2 hours on days 1-2, then every 4 hours on days 3-5. Cultures were obtained and signs/symptoms evaluated at baseline, interim, and final visits. The end point was the last evaluable observation. Primary microbial outcomes were based on culture results; clinical outcomes were based on resolution of cardinal signs.


RESULTS
117 patients (60 levofloxacin, 57 placebo) were evaluated. Microbial eradication rates were significantly greater with levofloxacin at all time points, reaching 90% at end point. In a subgroup analysis, differences in eradication rates at end point were most pronounced in children but were also statistically significant for levofloxacin in adults. Clinical cure rates were significantly greater with levofloxacin at final visit and end point. Statistically significant differences favouring levofloxacin were measured at end point for resolution of conjunctival discharge, bulbar conjunctival injection, palpebral conjunctival injection, burning/stinging, itching, and photophobia. Adverse events were similar between groups. Safety composite scores analysed by age indicated significantly fewer children on levofloxacin experienced worsening symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution is safe and effective for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.
Hwang
D G
DG
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. dghwang@itsa.ucsf.edu
Schanzlin
D J
DJ
Rotberg
M H
MH
Foulks
G
G
Raizman
M B
MB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003234:Conjunctivitis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D064704:Levofloxacin; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D064704:Levofloxacin; D015242:Ofloxacin