Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Category:

• Antibiotic

Description:

• Fluoroquinolone antibiotic

Indications:

• Acute maxillary sinusitis (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis)

• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (H. influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae)

• Community-acquired pnemonia (S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, K. pneumoniae,M. catarrhalis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila,Mycoplasma pneumoniae)

• Skin infections (S. pyogenes, S. aureus)

• Complicate urinary tract infections (Enterbacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa)

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. saprophyticus)

• Acute pyelonephritis (E. coli)

Contraindications:

• None

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• May cause photosensitivity reactions

• May cause pseudomembranous colitis

• Do not use in young children due to possible cartilage abnormalities

• May cause ophthalmologic abnormalities

• Administer on an empty stomach

• Do not take with antacids, iron, aluminum, magnesium or zinc preparations, milk or dairy products, take 2 hours before or 2 hours after

• May cause dizziness or lightheadedness, use caution when performing tasks

• Take each dose with a full glass of water

• Complete full course of therapy

• Administer by IV infusion only over a period of not less than 60 minutes, DO NOT administer by IM, intrathecal, intraperitoneal or SQ

• Dosage modifications are required in patients with renal impairment

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Bad taste in mouth

• Nausea, anorexia

• Headache, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness

Dosage:

• Administered orally (tablets) and by IV injection

• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 

  • 500mg po q24h for 7 days

• Community-acquired pneumonia: 

  • 500mg po q24h for 7-14 days

• Acute maxillary sinusitis: 

  • 500mg po q24h for 10-14 days

• Uncomplicated skin infection: 

  • 500mg po q24h for 7-10 days

• Complicated UTIs: 

  • 250mg po q24h for 10 days

• Uncomplicated UTIs: 

  • 250mg po q24h for 3 days

• Acute pyelonephritis: 

  • 250mg po q24h for 10 days