Ofloxacin and the gastrointestinal tract: a potential role in the treatment of bacterial enteritis.

Ofloxacin is highly active against most pathogens causing bacterial enteritis. High faecal levels are achieved readily following a single oral dose and may persist for up to five days despite partial binding by faeces. In addition, adequate ofloxacin levels persist in pancreatic secretions and bile for 12 to 14 h following oral administration. Clinical data from various centres demonstrate a prompt response when ofloxacin is administered once-daily for shigellosis, salmonellosis and various other enteric pathogens. These theoretical observations and clinical data suggest a potential for once-daily oral ofloxacin therapy for bacterial diarrhoea.