An open-label, randomized comparison of levofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanate plus clarithromycin for the treatment of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Background: Anti-pneumococcal fluoroquinolone has been used to treat community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) frequently because of its broad antimicrobial spectrum.

Methods: This randomized, open-label study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. Eligible patients were randomized to levofloxacin 500 mg IV q24h followed by 500 mg orally q24h or a combination of amoxicillin/clavulanate 500 mg/100 mg IV q8h with oral clarithromycin 500 mg q12h and then oral amoxicillin/clavulanate 250 mg/125 mg q8h with oral clarithromycin 500 mg q12h for 7-14 days.