Pefloxacin in the treatment of nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections in intensive care patients.

Pefloxacin was used to treat nosocomial pulmonary infections in 46 mechanically ventilated patients. All patients had one or more underlying diseases and were given pefloxacin at a dose of 800 mg or 1200 mg daily in two or three divided doses. The commonest bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enterobacteria. Of these patients, 33 (72%) showed a favourable response, one patient relapsed and 12 (26%) were considered failures. Superinfections occurred in 10 (22%). Of the 62 isolated potential pathogens, 53 (85%) were completely eradicated. Side effects were mild and treatment was withdrawn in only three patients. Pefloxacin can be considered as a possible therapeutic agent for the treatment of nosocomial pulmonary infections.