ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic efficacy of levofloxacin combined with antituberculosis drugs and thoracic catheterization for the treatment of tuberculous pleuritis. MethodsPatients who were admitted to Departments of Infectious Diseases of Hanzhong Central Hospital and Ankang Central Hospital between February 2014 and August 2016 for initial treatment of tuberculous pleuritis were included in the study, they were divided into groups A, B, C and D. Group A received 2HRZE+7HR regimen combined with conventional drainage; group B received 2HRZE+7HR regimen combined with thoracic catheterization； group C received 2HRZEV+7HR regimen combined with thoracic catheterization；group D received 2HRZEV+10HR regimen combined with thoracic catheterization. groups B, C and D received thoracic catheterization, normal saline 20mL and urokinase 100,000U were given through the drainage tube. ResultsA total of 172 patients with newly diagnosed tuberculous pleurisy were received for treatment. There were 45, 53, 38, and 36 cases in group A, B, C, and D respectively. The total effective rate of therapy for pleural effusion in group A was lower than that in group B(64.44% vs 90.57%, χ2=9.863，P＜0.05）；after two month therapy, total effective rate of therapy for pleural effusion in group B was lower than that in group C (18.87% vs 39.47%, χ2=4.716，P＜0.05）；at the end of therapy, total effective rate in group C was lower than that in group D (60.53% vs 83.33%, χ2=4.731，P＜0.05）. ConclusionFor initial treatment of patients with tuberculous pleuritis, 2HRZEV+10HR antituberculosis regimen combined with thoracic catheterization and urokinase infusion can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and recovery rate of tuberculous pleuritis, facilitate drainage of pleural effusion and prevent pleural thickening, adhesion and encapsulation.