Systemic antimicrobial therapy in skin and skin structure infections: comparison of temafloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
Temafloxacin is an investigational fluoroquinolone with in vitro activity against common skin pathogens and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study was conducted in 492 patients to compare the safety and efficacy of temafloxacin 600 mg with ciprofloxacin 750 mg for the treatment of bacterial infections of the skin or skin structure. Both drugs were given twice daily for 7-28 days. The most common diagnoses were abscess and superficial skin infection, which were usually caused by staphylococci. In evaluable patients, clinical success (cure plus improvement) rates were 96% in the temafloxacin group and 99% in the ciprofloxacin group. Bacteriologic eradication rates were 95% and 93% in the temafloxacin and ciprofloxacin groups, respectively. Both regimens were well tolerated. Temafloxacin appears to be safe and effective for the management of bacterial infections of the skin and skin structure.