The FDA has approved the use of a five-day, once-daily regimen of Levaquin (levofloxacin) 750 mg IV and oral for the treatment of complicated UTI and acute pyelonephritis (AP).
This followed a double-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 1,109 patients with either complicated UTI or AP that assessed the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin (750 mg once daily for five days) versus ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Schering) (400/500 mg twice daily for 10 days).
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Clinical success rates were similar in both treatment groups, demonstrating the resolution of, or improvement in, urinary symptoms. Complicated UTI often occurs in people with a weakened immune system who are susceptible to bacterial infections.
Since its introduction in 1996, Levaquin has been used to treat a variety of bacterial infections caused by susceptible pathogens. It is marketed by Ortho-McNeil, Inc., of Raritan, N.J., and PriCara, a unit of Ortho-McNeil, Inc.