The role of fluoroquinolones in the treatment of patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia

Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a common and potentially life-threatening infection. Fluoroquinolones appear to be a valid monotherapy alternative to the combination beta-lactam/macrolide therapy for non-severe hospitalised CAP, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) or in patients with a clinical risk of PRSP, and a key partner in the combination therapy given in casesof severe and intensive care unit-admitted CAP and when Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is suspected. The high bioavailability of fluoroquinolones facilitates an early switch from intravenous to oral therapy.