Index
It is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, and other diseases.
A list of uses and indications for Levofloxacin is as follows:
- Bacterial infections.
- Infections of the urinary tract.
Levofloxacin belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones.
Levofloxacin eradicates undesirable hosts in the body, specifically in sectors such as the paranasal sinuses and organs such as kidneys, bladder, and prostate.
It can also be extended to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia and even help people exposed to anthrax or another virus.
Precautions
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Levofloxacin or similar antibiotics, such as Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Gemifloxacin (Factive), Moxifloxacin (Avelox), Ofloxacin (Floxin), Norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.
Before taking Levofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, muscle weakness or shortness of breath, joint problems, seizures, diabetes, or myasthenia gravis.
Also, if you have a history of brain injury to the head, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, low potassium levels in your blood, a personal or family history of long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate) or didanosine (Videx) powder, or chewable tablets within 2 hours before or after taking Levofloxacin.
Levofloxacin can cause swelling or tear of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to the body’s muscles), especially in the Achilles tendon. These effects may be more likely if you are over 60, take steroid medications, or have a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.
Stop taking Levofloxacin and call your doctor immediately if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical attention or instructions.
Interactions
When used with Levofloxacin, these medications can make Levofloxacin less effective. This means that it will not work so well to treat your condition. This is because the amount of Levofloxacin in your body decreases. Examples of these medications include:
Sucralfate, didanosine, multivitamins, antacids, or other drugs or supplements that contain magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc can reduce Levofloxacin levels and prevent it from working correctly. Take this medicine 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking these medications or supplements.
Presentations
Generic: Levofloxacin
- Form: oral tablet
- 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg
Brand: Levaquin
- Form: oral tablet
- 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg
Dosage in case of pneumonia
Dosage for adults (between 18 and 64 years old)
- Nosocomial Pneumonia: 750 mg taken every 24 hours for 7-14 days.
- Community-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg or 750 mg taken every 24 hours for 5-14 days. Your dose will depend on the bacteria that cause the infection.
Dosage for children (ages 0-5 months)
- This medicine has not been studied in children younger than six months. It should not be used in this age group.
A higher dosage (over 65 years)
- The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more than one medication stays in your body longer.
- This increases your risk of side effects.
Dosage for acute bacterial sinusitis
- General dose (between 18 and 64 years): 500 mg taken every 24 hours for 10-14 days or 750 mg taken every 24 hours for five days. Your dose will depend on the bacteria that cause the infection.
- Child dose (0 to 5 months): This medicine has not been studied in children younger than six months. It should not be used in this age group.
- A higher dose (over 65): The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly.
As a result, more than one medication stays in your body longer. This increases your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start with a low dose or a different medication schedule.
This can help prevent levels of this drug from accumulating too much in your body.
Dosage for acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Administration of doses (from 18 to 64 years): 500 mg taken every 24 hours for seven days
- Infantile disposition (ages 0 to 5 months): This medication has not been studied in children younger than 6 months. It should not be used in this age group.
- A higher dose (over 65): The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly.
