Levofloxacin versus ceftriaxone and azithromycin for treating community-acquired pneumonia: a randomized clinical trial study

Background and Objectives: We compared two common antibiotic regimens for the treatment of mild to moderate CAP: levofloxacin versus β-lactam and macrolide combination; in terms of their efficacy and side effects. Materials and Methods: Patients with mild to moderate CAP were randomized into two groups. Group I received a combi- nation of 1 gram ceftriaxone daily and 500 mg azithromycin daily for 5-7 days. Group II received levofloxacin 750 mg daily for five days. The signs and symptoms, hospitalization length, and the side effects were investigated. Results: There were 77 and 74 patients in groups I and II. The vital signs of group II were significantly better on the 3rd day of admission, except for the temperature (P=0.09). The O saturation of group II was markedly improved on the 5th day of admission (P=0.0061). In terms of clinical symptoms and hospitalization length, group II was considerably better. However, the rate of side effects in both groups was similar (P=0.885). Conclusion: Hospitalized patients with mild to moderate CAP might take more advantage of fluoroquinolone administra- tion. It could improve the patients' signs and symptoms and reduce hospitalization length, compared with the combination of macrolide and cephalosporin, with the same rate of side effects.