Levoquin (levofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic prescribed for treating serious bacterial infections in adults. This medication works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, effectively stopping bacterial replication and growth. Levoquin demonstrates excellent tissue penetration and bioavailability, making it particularly effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Healthcare providers reserve this potent antibiotic for cases where other antimicrobial agents have failed or are unsuitable due to resistance patterns or patient-specific factors.

Features

• Contains levofloxacin, a third-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic
• Available in 250mg, 500mg, and 750mg oral tablets and injection formulations
• Broad-spectrum activity against aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
• Once-daily dosing regimen for improved patient compliance
• Excellent oral bioavailability with approximately 99% absorption
• Extensive tissue penetration including prostate, lung, and skin blister fluid

Benefits

• Effectively treats complicated infections resistant to first-line antibiotics
• Rapid bacterial eradication due to concentration-dependent killing
• Convenient once-daily dosing reduces medication burden
• Comprehensive tissue penetration ensures therapeutic levels at infection sites
• Proven efficacy in hospital and community-acquired pneumonia
• Reliable coverage for urinary tract infections including pyelonephritis

Common use

Levoquin is indicated for the treatment of adults with complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Proteus mirabilis. It is also approved for complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Proteus mirabilis. Additionally, Levoquin is prescribed for community-acquired pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Moraxella catarrhalis. The medication may be used for acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis when caused by susceptible microorganisms.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Levoquin depends on the type and severity of infection, renal function, and patient characteristics. For complicated urinary tract infections or acute pyelonephritis: 250mg orally once daily for 10 days. For complicated skin and skin structure infections: 750mg orally once daily for 7-14 days. For community-acquired pneumonia: 750mg orally once daily for 5 days or 500mg orally once daily for 7-14 days. Tablets should be taken at the same time each day with a full glass of water, with or without food. Patients should maintain adequate hydration during treatment. Dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min).

Precautions

Patients should be advised that Levoquin may cause dizziness and lightheadedness; therefore, caution should be exercised when driving or operating machinery. Tendon inflammation and rupture may occur during or after therapy, particularly in elderly patients and those receiving concomitant corticosteroid therapy. Levoquin may prolong the QT interval in some patients, increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Photosensitivity reactions may occur; patients should avoid excessive sunlight or artificial UV light and use protective measures. Blood glucose disturbances, including both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, have been reported, particularly in diabetic patients. Peripheral neuropathy characterized by pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness may occur and can be irreversible.

Contraindications

Levoquin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolone antimicrobial agents, or any component of the formulation. The medication should not be used in patients with a history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use. Levoquin is contraindicated in patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, uncorrected hypokalemia, or those taking Class IA or Class III antiarrhythmic agents. The drug is not recommended for patients with myasthenia gravis due to potential exacerbation of muscle weakness. Pediatric patients, adolescents, and pregnant women should generally avoid Levoquin unless no alternative treatments are available.

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions include nausea (3-7%), diarrhea (1-5%), headache (3-6%), constipation (1-3%), and dizziness (1-3%). Less frequent but more serious side effects may include tendon rupture (particularly Achilles tendon), peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects (seizures, increased intracranial pressure), QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, hepatotoxicity, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Photosensitivity reactions occur in approximately 0.1-2% of patients. Psychiatric adverse reactions including anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and rarely suicidal thoughts have been reported. Musculoskeletal side effects may include arthralgia, myalgia, and gait disturbance.

Drug interaction

Levoquin may interact with antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamins containing zinc, which can significantly reduce absorption. Concurrent use with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of CNS stimulation and seizures. The medication may enhance the effects of warfarin, requiring close monitoring of prothrombin time and INR. Levoquin may increase serum concentrations of theophylline, necessitating monitoring and potential dosage adjustment. Concomitant use with drugs that prolong the QT interval (antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, macrolides) should be avoided. The antibiotic may affect blood glucose levels when used with antidiabetic agents, requiring careful glucose monitoring.

Missed dose

If a dose of Levoquin is missed, patients should take it as soon as they remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Maintaining consistent antibiotic levels is important for therapeutic efficacy, so patients should strive to take Levoquin at the same time each day. If multiple doses are missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance on how to proceed with treatment.

Overdose

In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive care should be instituted. ECG monitoring is recommended due to the potential for QT prolongation. Levoquin is not effectively removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Management of overdose should include emptying the gastric contents if ingestion was recent, followed by close observation and appropriate supportive measures. Seizures may require benzodiazepine administration. Patients should maintain adequate hydration to prevent crystal formation in the urine. Specific antidotes for levofloxacin overdose are not available. Medical toxicology consultation is recommended for significant overdoses.

Storage

Levoquin tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F) in their original container. The medication should be protected from light and moisture and kept away from heat sources. Tablets should not be stored in bathroom cabinets where humidity levels fluctuate. Keep Levoquin out of reach of children and pets. Do not use medication beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication is important; patients should consult their pharmacist regarding take-back programs or appropriate disposal methods.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Levoquin is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should not initiate, discontinue, or change dosage without consulting their physician. The complete prescribing information should be reviewed before administration. Individual patient responses may vary, and not all side effects or interactions are listed here. Healthcare providers should consider the benefit-risk ratio for each patient before prescribing Levoquin.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate Levoquin’s efficacy with clinical success rates of 85-95% across various indications. In a multicenter trial of complicated urinary tract infections, Levoquin 250mg daily achieved microbiological eradication in 92% of patients. For community-acquired pneumonia, clinical success rates of 90-94% have been reported. Healthcare providers note the convenience of once-daily dosing and broad spectrum coverage, though many reserve its use due to safety concerns. Patient reviews frequently mention effective infection resolution but also report side effects including gastrointestinal disturbances and, less commonly, tendon pain. The medical community generally considers Levoquin an important therapeutic option when appropriate patient selection criteria are followed.