Medications and Drugs
Medical Author: Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D.
Medical Editor: Jay Marks, M.D.
GENERIC NAME: levofloxacin
BRAND NAME: Levaquin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Levofloxacin is an antibiotic for treating
bacterial infections. Many common infections in humans are caused by bacteria.
Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Drugs
that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Levofloxacin
is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the
reproduction and repair of their genetic material, DNA. It is in a class of
antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, a class that includes ciprofloxacin
(Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin),
trovafloxacin (Trovan), and
lomefloxacin (Maxaquin). The FDA approved levofloxacin in December 1996.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250, 500, and 750 mg; Oral solution: 25 mg/mL;
Injection: 5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml
STORAGE: Levofloxacin should be stored between 15-30 C (59-86 F)
PRESCRIBED FOR: Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the
sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible
bacteria. Levofloxacin also is frequently used to treat
urinary infections,
including those resistant to other antibiotics, as well as prostatitis
(infection of the prostate). Levofloxacin is effective in treating infectious
diarrhea caused by
E. coli,
Campylobacter jejuni, and
Shigella bacteria.
Levofloxacin also can be used to treat various obstetric infections, including
mastitis (infection of the breast).
DOSING: The usual dose is 250-750 mg given once daily for 5-60 days
depending on the type of infection. It is important to take oral formulations at
least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid or mineral supplement
containing iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium since these bind levofloxacin and
prevent its absorption into the body.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium can attach to
levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones and prevent their absorption from the
intestine into the blood. Therefore, products (for example, antacids) that
contain iron, calcium, zinc or magnesium should be taken at least 2 hours before
or 2 hours after levofloxacin. Other drugs that contain these minerals and can
similarly interact with levofloxacin include sucralfate (Carafate) and
didanosine (Videx, Videx
EC).
Taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with levofloxacin may
increase the risk of CNS stimulation, resulting in over-excitation. There have
been reports of changes in blood sugar (increases and decreases) in patients
treated with fluoroquinolones and antidiabetic agents. Fluoroquinolones may
increase blood levels of theophylline (Theodur), cyclosporine (Sandimmune,
Neoral), and the effect of warfarin (Coumadin).
PREGNANCY: Levofloxacin is not recommended for use in
pregnant women
since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of
several species.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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