Treatment of legionnaires' disease.

Abstract

Erythromycin has been the most commonly used drug for the treatment of legionnaires' disease; however, failures have occurred and adverse effects are common. Doxycycline intravenously is preferred and is less expensive. The newer macrolides/azalides, clarithromycin and azithromycin, have excellent in vitro activity against Legionella and fewer adverse effects than erythromycin. The fluoroquinolones, particularly levofloxacin, are the most active anti-Legionella antibiotics available. Other agents with activity against Legionella pneumophila include minocycline, rifampin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The preferred therapy of legionellosis in immunocompromised patients are quinolone/macrolide combinations, eg, levofloxacin plus azithromycin.

• Authors: N C Klein, B A Cunha
• Journal: Seminars in respiratory infections (Semin Respir Infect) Vol. 13 Issue 2 Pg. 140-6 (Jun 1998) ISSN: 0882-0546 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9643392 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Legionnaires' Disease (drug therapy)