Clinical and economic evaluation of gatifloxacin and levofloxacin

Abstract

Antibiotics represent a relatively high drug cost component for the average institution. There are numerous antibiotic agents available for many indications so the choice of agents for which to provide coverage becomes complicated. The two fluoroquinolones levofloxacin (Levaquin^®, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals Inc.) and gatifloxacin (Tequin^®, Bristol–Myers Squibb) are similar in many respects yet have enough differences to allow for debate in preferring one over the other. However, overuse of these antibiotics is leading to a growing concern of bacterial resistance. This review discusses the factors that formulary decision makers consider when contemplating coverage of these drugs and explores where population-specific information would benefit this process. Both clinical and economic issues are raised in this review.

• antibiotics
• clinical evaluation
• economic evaluation
• fluoroquinolones
• formulary management
• gatifloxacin
• levofloxacin
• managed care