Levoflox is a potent fluoroquinolone antibiotic indicated for the treatment of adults with serious bacterial infections. It demonstrates excellent tissue penetration and bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. This medication is specifically formulated to target and eliminate susceptible bacteria, providing a reliable option for healthcare providers managing complex infections. Proper diagnosis and adherence to prescribing guidelines are essential for optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Features

• Active ingredient: Levofloxacin (as hemihydrate)
• Available in 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg film-coated tablets
• Also available as intravenous solution for infusion (5 mg/mL, 20 mL vial)
• Rapid and nearly complete oral bioavailability (~99%)
• Broad-spectrum activity covering both aerobic and atypical bacteria
• Penetrates effectively into tissues including lungs, skin, and prostate

Benefits

• Provides potent bactericidal action against multidrug-resistant pathogens
• Offers convenient once-daily dosing for improved patient compliance
• Demonstrates excellent penetration into infection sites including difficult-to-reach tissues
• Shows reliable efficacy in both community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections
• Available in both oral and intravenous formulations for flexible treatment pathways
• Supported by extensive clinical evidence across multiple infection types

Common use

Levoflox 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

Oral Administration:

• Take tablets with a full glass of water, with or without food
• Maintain adequate hydration during treatment
• Do not crush or chew tablets; swallow whole

Standard Dosages:

• Community-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days
• Complicated UTI/pyelonephritis: 250 mg once daily for 10 days
• Complicated skin infections: 750 mg once daily for 7-14 days
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: 500 mg once daily for 28 days

Renal Impairment Adjustment:

• CrCl 20-49 mL/min: Administer initial dose of 750 mg, then 750 mg every 48 hours
• CrCl 10-19 mL/min: Administer initial dose of 750 mg, then 500 mg every 48 hours

Precautions

• Tendon inflammation or rupture may occur during or after treatment
• Peripheral neuropathy may occur and can be permanent
• Central nervous system effects including seizures, dizziness, and confusion
• Exacerbation of myasthenia gravis with respiratory failure possible
• Photosensitivity/phototoxicity reactions may occur
• Blood glucose disturbances, especially in diabetic patients
• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea reported

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones
• History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use
• Patients with myasthenia gravis
• Concurrent administration with tizanidine
• Pediatric patients (except for inhalational anthrax)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (unless potential benefit justifies risk)

Possible side effect

Common (≥1%):

• Nausea (3-7%)
• Diarrhea (1-5%)
• Headache (1-6%)
• Constipation (1-3%)
• Dizziness (1-3%)
• Insomnia (1-4%)

Serious (≤1%):

• Tendon rupture (particularly Achilles tendon)
• Peripheral neuropathy
• CNS effects (seizures, psychosis)
• QT prolongation and torsades de pointes
• Hepatotoxicity including fatal hepatitis
• Blood dyscrasias including agranulocytosis
• Severe skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Drug interaction

• Antacids containing magnesium/aluminum: Reduce absorption by 90%; separate administration by at least 2 hours
• Sucralfate: Administer levofloxacin at least 2 hours before sucralfate
• Warfarin: Enhanced anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely
• NSAIDs: Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures
• Antiarrhythmics (Class IA, III): Additive QT prolongation risk
• Corticosteroids: Increased risk of tendon rupture
• Theophylline: Increased theophylline levels; monitor concentrations
• Oral hypoglycemics: May enhance hypoglycemic effects

Missed dose

• Take the missed dose as soon as remembered
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose
• Maintain regular dosing schedule to ensure consistent antibiotic levels
• Contact healthcare provider if multiple doses are missed

Overdose

Symptoms:

• CNS excitation including seizures
• QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias
• Gastrointestinal distress including nausea and vomiting
• Renal and hepatic impairment

Management:

• Supportive care with ECG monitoring
• Hydration and symptomatic treatment
• Hemodialysis removes approximately 10% of dose
• No specific antidote available
• Contact poison control center immediately

Storage

• Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F)
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep in original container with tight closure
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use if tablets are discolored or damaged
• Discard any unused medication after treatment completion

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Levoflox is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The prescribing physician should consider the benefit-risk ratio for each individual patient. Patients should disclose their complete medical history and current medications to their healthcare provider. This summary does not include all possible information about this medication. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Reviews

“Levoflox has been instrumental in managing complicated UTIs in our practice. The once-daily dosing improves compliance significantly compared to older regimens.” - Infectious Disease Specialist, 15 years experience

“In hospitalized patients with multidrug-resistant pneumonia, levofloxacin IV formulation provides reliable coverage while we await culture results.” - Pulmonologist, Academic Medical Center

“While effective, we carefully assess each patient’s risk factors for tendon issues before prescribing. The benefit usually outweighs risks in appropriate patients.” - Internal Medicine Physician

“Excellent tissue penetration makes it valuable for prostatic infections where other antibiotics fail to reach therapeutic levels.” - Urologist, Private Practice

“Monitoring for CNS side effects is crucial, especially in elderly patients. When used judiciously, it remains a valuable tool in our antimicrobial arsenal.” - Geriatric Pharmacist