Levoquin (levofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic prescribed for treating serious bacterial infections in adults. As the optically active L-isomer of ofloxacin, it demonstrates enhanced antibacterial activity with improved pharmacokinetic properties. This medication works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, effectively disrupting DNA replication in susceptible organisms. Levoquin is reserved for cases where first-line antibiotics have failed or are inappropriate due to resistance patterns or patient factors.

Features

• Contains levofloxacin as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Available in oral tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg) and injection formulations
• Broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
• Once-daily dosing regimen for most indications
• High bioavailability with approximately 99% oral absorption
• Extensive tissue penetration including lung, prostate, and skin

Benefits

• Effective against multidrug-resistant pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Rapid bactericidal action reduces bacterial load quickly
• Convenient once-daily dosing improves patient compliance
• Comprehensive tissue penetration ensures therapeutic concentrations at infection sites
• Proven efficacy in complicated urinary tract, respiratory, and skin infections
• Well-established safety profile with extensive clinical experience

Common use

Levoquin is indicated for the treatment of adults with:

• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Complicated skin and skin structure infections
• Acute bacterial sinusitis
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure)

Dosage and direction

Dosage varies based on infection type and severity:

• Community-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days
• Complicated UTI/pyelonephritis: 250 mg once daily for 10 days
• Acute bacterial sinusitis: 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days
• Complicated skin infections: 750 mg once daily for 7-14 days
• Inhalational anthrax: 500 mg once daily for 60 days

Take tablets with a full glass of water, with or without food. Maintain adequate hydration during treatment. Complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve earlier.

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment (dose adjustment required)
• Monitor for tendon inflammation or rupture, especially in elderly patients
• Avoid excessive sunlight or UV light exposure due to photosensitivity risk
• Use with caution in patients with CNS disorders or risk factors for seizures
• Monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic patients
• Assess psychiatric status regularly during treatment
• Not recommended for pediatric patients except for inhalational anthrax

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any product components
• History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use
• Concurrent administration with tizanidine
• Patients with myasthenia gravis (may exacerbate muscle weakness)

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions (≥1%):

• Nausea (7%)
• Diarrhea (5%)
• Headache (6%)
• Constipation (3%)
• Dizziness (3%)
• Insomnia (4%)

Serious adverse reactions:

• Tendonitis and tendon rupture
• Peripheral neuropathy
• CNS effects (seizures, anxiety, confusion)
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Hepatotoxicity
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Prolongation of QT interval
• Blood glucose disturbances

Drug interaction

Significant interactions occur with:

• Antacids containing magnesium/aluminum: Reduce absorption (separate by 2 hours)
• Sucralfate: Decreases bioavailability (separate by 2 hours)
• Warfarin: Enhanced anticoagulant effect (monitor INR closely)
• NSAIDs: Increased CNS stimulation risk
• Antiarrhythmics (Class IA, III): Additive QT prolongation
• Corticosteroids: Increased tendon rupture risk
• Oral hypoglycemics: Altered glucose control
• Theophylline: Increased theophylline levels

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain regular dosing intervals to ensure consistent antibiotic levels.

Overdose

Symptoms may include dizziness, tremor, nausea, confusion, and seizures. Management involves supportive care with ECG monitoring for QT prolongation. Hemodialysis removes approximately 10-20% of the drug. Contact poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or emergency services immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F) in original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use after expiration date. Properly discard unused medication through drug take-back programs.

Disclaimer

This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Use only as prescribed. Report any adverse reactions to your physician immediately. The prescribing information provided here is summary information only.

Reviews

“Levoquin effectively resolved my persistent sinus infection after other antibiotics failed. The once-daily dosing was convenient, though I experienced some mild nausea initially.” - Sarah K., verified patient

“As an infectious disease specialist, I reserve levoquin for appropriate cases where benefits outweigh risks. It remains valuable for multidrug-resistant infections when used judiciously.” - Dr. M. Chen, MD

“After developing tendon pain during treatment, my doctor immediately discontinued levoquin. While effective against the infection, the side effect was concerning. Careful monitoring is essential.” - Robert T., verified patient