What it's for (Indications)
- Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections.
- These include infections of the upper respiratory tract (e.
- g.
- , Nosocomial Pneumonia, Community-Acquired Pneumonia), skin and skin structure infections (Complicated SSSI, Uncomplicated SSSI), urinary tract infections (Complicated UTI, Acute Pyelonephritis, Uncomplicated UTI), prostate (Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis), pelvic inflammatory disease, and post-exposure treatment of inhaled anthrax and plague.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | Dosage is highly dependent on the type and severity of infection, patient's condition, age, and renal function, and should always be determined by a healthcare professional. Common adult doses range from 250 mg to 750 mg taken once daily. Specific FDA-approved regimens include (but are not limited to): Nosocomial Pneumonia (750 mg once daily for 7 to 14 days); Community-Acquired Pneumonia (500 mg once daily for 7 to 14 days, or 750 mg once daily for 5 days); Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (SSSI) (750 mg once daily for 7 to 14 days); Uncomplicated SSSI (500 mg once daily for 7 to 10 days); Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis (500 mg once daily for 28 days); Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure) (Adults >50 kg: 500 mg once daily for 60 days; Pediatric patients <50 kg and ≥6 months: 8 mg/kg twice daily, not to exceed 250 mg/dose, for 60 days); Plague (Adults >50 kg: 500 mg once daily for 10 to 14 days; Pediatric patients <50 kg and ≥6 months: 8 mg/kg twice daily, not to exceed 250 mg/dose, for 10 to 14 days); Complicated Urinary Tract Infection or Acute Pyelonephritis (750 mg once daily for 5 days, or 250 mg once daily for 10 days). Local guidance suggests 1-2 tablets (e.g., Leflox 500 mg) daily. Always complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed. Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Common side effects include nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia (sleep disturbances), constipation, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, GI upset, anorexia (loss of appetite), and dysgeusia (bad taste).
- Less common or more serious side effects can include raised liver enzymes, dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing), arthralgia (joint pain), myalgia (muscle pain), tinnitus (ringing in ear), asthenia (weakness), pyrexia (fever), visual disturbances, hepatic (liver) injury, and severe skin disorders.
- Serious adverse reactions that require discontinuation include tendinitis, tendon rupture, and peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: WARNING: SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS INCLUDING TENDINITIS, TENDON RUPTURE, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS AND EXACERBATION OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS. Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that have occurred together, including tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects, and exacerbation of myasthenia gravis.
- Patients should inform their doctor about their complete medical history, including any existing kidney, heart, or liver disease, mood or mental disorders, or blood vessel diseases.
- It is crucial to inform the doctor about any allergies to antibiotics, especially quinolones.
- Patients should also disclose all other medications, herbs, or supplements being taken to avoid adverse side effects.
- Levofloxacin can cause disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions including tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects, and exacerbation of myasthenia gravis.
- There is a risk of muscle injury, particularly in the elderly.
- Patients with a history of tendon difficulties or myasthenia gravis should avoid this medication or use with extreme caution.
- If dizziness occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery.
- Levofloxacin may produce false blood test results.
- Complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed to prevent recurrence of infection.
- Pregnant or nursing females should consult their doctor before use as the effects are unknown.
- Inform your doctor before any dental or surgical procedure.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Levofloxacin is a member of the fluoroquinolone class of antibacterial agents. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.