GENERIC NAME: levofloxacin
BRAND NAME: Levaquin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Many common infections in humans
are
caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow
and
multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines 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). Levofloxacin was
approved by the FDA in 1996.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS:
Tablets: 250, 500, and 750 mg. Oral solution, 25
mg/mL.
STORAGE: Levofloxacin should be stored below 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. Levofloxacin is effective in treating infectious
diarrheas
caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria.
Levofloxacin also can be used to treat various obstetric infections,
including mastitis.
DOSING: Levofloxacin usually is given once daily. It is
important to take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any
antacid,
or mineral supplement with iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium since
these minerals bind levofloxacin and prevent its absorption.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Minerals with 2 or 3 positive charges,
called
divalent or trivalent ions, respectively, can attach to levofloxacin
and
other fluoroquinolones and prevent their absorption from the
intestine into the blood. Therefore, such products (containing iron,
calcium, zinc, or magnesium) as well as antacids, should be taken at
least 2
hours before or 2 hours after levofloxacin. Other drugs which
contain
these ions and which can similarly interact with levofloxacin include
sucralfate (Carafate) and didanosine, dDI.
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with
levofloxacin may
increase the risk of CNS stimulation, resulting in over-excitation.
There
have been reports of changes in blood sugar in patients treated with
other
fluoroquinolones and antidiabetic agents.
Other fluoroquinolones have been reported to increase blood levels of
theophylline (Theodur), warfarin (Coumadin), and cyclosporine
(Sandimmune;
Neoral). There have not yet been similar reports with levofloxacin.
PREGNANCY: Levofloxacin is not recommended for use in
pregnant
women since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities in
juvenile animals
of several species.
NURSING MOTHERS: Levofloxacin is not recommended for use
in
lactating women since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities
in juvenile
animals of several species. In fact, levofloxacin is not recommended
in
persons under the age of 18 years.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequently reported side events are
nausea
or vomiting (1 out of every 12 persons), diarrhea (1 out 20),
headache (1 out 20), and
constipation (1 out of 30). Less common side effects include
difficulty
sleeping, dizziness, abdominal pain, rash,
abdominal gas, and itching.
Last Editorial Review: 10/16/2005
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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