Levoquin (levofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic prescribed for treating serious bacterial infections in adults. As a potent synthetic antibacterial agent, it demonstrates excellent tissue penetration and bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. This medication is specifically formulated for cases where first-line antibiotics have proven ineffective or when dealing with multi-drug resistant organisms. Proper medical supervision is essential throughout treatment to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing potential risks.

Features

• Contains levofloxacin hemihydrate equivalent to 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg levofloxacin
• Available as oral tablets and intravenous solution
• Rapid and nearly complete oral bioavailability (~99%)
• Extended half-life permitting once-daily dosing
• Broad spectrum coverage including atypical pathogens
• Demonstrated efficacy in penicillin-resistant strains

Benefits

• Effectively treats severe and complicated bacterial infections when other antibiotics fail
• Rapid bacterial eradication due to concentration-dependent killing mechanism
• Convenient once-daily dosing improves patient compliance
• Comprehensive coverage against both typical and atypical pathogens
• Proven efficacy in hospital-acquired pneumonia and complicated UTIs
• Reduced treatment duration compared to some alternative regimens

Common use

Levoquin is indicated for the treatment of adults with complicated urinary tract infections, acute pyelonephritis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, complicated skin and skin structure infections, nosocomial pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, and acute bacterial sinusitis. It is also used for inhalational anthrax exposure and plague. Healthcare providers reserve Levoquin for cases where the benefits outweigh risks, particularly when alternative antibacterial treatment options are limited.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage varies based on infection type and severity:

• Complicated UTIs/Acute Pyelonephritis: 250 mg once daily for 10 days
• Complicated Skin Infections: 750 mg once daily for 7-14 days
• Nosocomial Pneumonia: 750 mg once daily for 7-14 days
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days
• Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days

Administer tablets with water, with or without food, at approximately the same time each day. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier. For intravenous administration, infuse 250 mg or 500 mg dose over 60 minutes; 750 mg dose over 90 minutes.

Precautions

Patients should be advised to maintain adequate hydration during treatment. Avoid excessive sunlight or artificial UV light due to photosensitivity risk. Use with caution in patients with known or suspected central nervous system disorders that may predispose to seizures. Monitor blood glucose levels carefully in diabetic patients. Elderly patients may require increased monitoring due to potential for increased tendon rupture risk. Report immediately any symptoms of tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation.

Contraindications

Levoquin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, or any component of the formulation. Contraindicated in patients with history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use. Not recommended for patients with myasthenia gravis due to potential exacerbation. Avoid use in pediatric patients, pregnant women, and nursing mothers unless no alternative exists.

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions (≥1%) include nausea, diarrhea, headache, constipation, insomnia, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include tendon inflammation or rupture, peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects (seizures, anxiety, confusion), hypoglycemia, and QT prolongation. Rare but severe reactions include hepatic toxicity, blood disorders, and severe skin reactions. Discontinue immediately at first sign of tendon pain or neurological symptoms.

Drug interaction

Levoquin may interact significantly with:

• Antacids containing magnesium/aluminum, sucralfate, metal cations: Separate administration by at least 2 hours
• Warfarin: Monitor prothrombin time and INR closely
• NSAIDs: Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures
• Antiarrhythmics (Class IA, III): Increased QT prolongation risk
• Theophylline: Monitor serum levels and adjust dosage
• Oral hypoglycemics: Enhanced hypoglycemic effects
• Corticosteroids: Increased tendon rupture risk

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is 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. Contact your healthcare provider if multiple doses are missed for guidance on continuing treatment.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include altered mental status, dizziness, tremors, seizures, gastrointestinal disturbances, and QT prolongation. Management includes ECG monitoring for at least 24-48 hours and symptomatic treatment. Hemodialysis removes approximately 14% of the dose, but efficacy in overdose management is limited. Maintain adequate hydration and provide supportive care. Contact poison control center immediately for guidance.

Storage

Store at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not store in bathroom medicine cabinet due to humidity variations. Discard any unused medication after completing treatment course. Do not flush medications down toilet or pour into drain unless instructed.

Disclaimer

This information does not replace professional medical advice. Levoquin is available by prescription only and should be used under direct medical supervision. Healthcare providers must assess individual patient risk factors before prescribing. Patients should report any adverse reactions to their physician immediately. The prescribing information provided here is summary information only; consult full prescribing information for complete details.

Reviews

“Levoquin proved effective in treating my patient’s multidrug-resistant pneumonia after multiple antibiotic failures. While we monitored carefully for potential side effects, the therapeutic benefit was significant.” - Infectious Disease Specialist, 15 years experience

“Our clinical experience with Levoquin in complicated UTIs shows consistent bacterial eradication rates. The once-daily dosing is particularly advantageous for outpatient therapy compliance.” - Urologist, Academic Medical Center

“While effective, we reserve Levoquin for cases where alternatives are not suitable due to the black box warnings. Appropriate patient selection and monitoring are paramount.” - Clinical Pharmacist, Hospital Setting