Treatment with ofloxacin (RU 43280) of uncomplicated bacterial urethritis in males

Ofloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone with in vitro activity against the three main urethritis-causing pathogens: i.e. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. 18 adult males with acute uncomplicated urethritis took 200 mg ofloxacin by mouth twice daily for 7 (non-chlamydial urethritis) or 14 (chlamydial urethritis) days. 12 patients had N. gonorrhoeae; 2 had H. parainfluenzae, 1 had E. coli and 5 had C. trachomatis. Urethral cultures were obtained before treatment and on day 7 (non-chlamydial urethritis) or 28 (chlamydial urethritis). Clinical and microbiological cure was achieved in 17 of the 18 patients. Clinical manifestations failed to resolve in one patient due to the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis recognized on day 7. No side effects were observed. According to these results, ofloxacin is effective and safe against gonococcal and chlamydial urethritis.