Generic
Levofloxacin
152 brands available in the market
At a glance
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It treats infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin, soft tissues, and lungs (pneumonia).
Description
Levofloxacin is a synthetic, broad-spectrum, third-generation fluoroquinolone bactericidal antibiotic. It inhibits bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, the enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. It has in vitro activity against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms.
Indications
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Nosocomial pneumonia
- Acute bacterial sinusitis
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections
- Acute pyelonephritis
- Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure prophylaxis)
- Plague (pneumonic and septicemic)
Therapeutic class
4-Quinolone Preparations
Pharmacological class
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase to prevent bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV to prevent bacterial cell division and repair.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral/IV):
- Community pneumonia: 500 mg daily 7-14 days OR 750 mg daily 5 days
- Nosocomial pneumonia: 750 mg daily 7-14 days
- Acute sinusitis: 500 mg daily 10-14 days OR 750 mg daily 5 days
- Chronic bronchitis: 500 mg daily 7 days
- Skin infections (complicated): 750 mg daily 7-14 days; (uncomplicated): 500 mg daily 7-10 days
- Prostatitis: 500 mg daily 28 days
- Complicated UTI/Pyelonephritis: 250 mg daily 10 days OR 750 mg daily 5 days
- Uncomplicated UTI: 250 mg daily 3 days
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- May be taken with or without food, but at a fixed time is preferable
- Avoid taking with dairy products
- Maintain 2-hour interval with aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Tendon pain or swelling
- Numbness or tingling sensation
Precautions & warnings
- Caution when driving or activities requiring concentration (may cause dizziness or drowsiness)
- Discontinue if tendon pain, swelling, or rupture signs occur
- Inform doctor if diarrhea persists or blood in stools
- Consult doctor during pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones
- Children under 18 years
Drug interactions
- Additive effects with QT-prolonging drugs
- Sucralfate, antacids, zinc/calcium/iron supplements reduce absorption
- Altered glucose levels with antidiabetic agents
- Increased risk of tendon disorders with corticosteroids
- Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures with NSAIDs
- Increased prothrombin time with warfarin
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Levofloxacin is safe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Levofloxacin is unsafe during pregnancy; definite evidence of risk to the fetus. Use only in life-threatening situations with doctor's advice.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Levofloxacin is probably unsafe during breastfeeding; may pass into breast milk.
Pediatric use
Contraindicated in children under 18 years; dose established for children 6 months+ for anthrax and plague treatment.
Geriatric use
Special dose adjustment needed in elderly (based on renal function).
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance; dose adjustment needed for dialysis patients.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available; discontinue if signs of jaundice occur.
Overdose effects
No specific overdose information available; symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place away from light and heat; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Levofloxacin