Thomas M. File, Jr., MD, FACP
Infectious Disease Section, Summa Health System, Akron,Ohio, and Department of Internal Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio, USA

Levofloxacin is the first fluoroquinolone with enhanced activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae to be marketed in the United States. Because it has in vitro activity against all the key respiratory pathogens (including drug-resistant S. pneumoniae and atypical pathogens) it is a promising new addition to our therapeutic armamentarium for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The once-daily dosing schedule as well as the very high bioavailability offer distinct advantages regarding cost-effective management of CAP.