Levaquin: Potent Antibiotic for Severe Bacterial Infections
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.46 | $43.86 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.29 | $87.72 $77.40 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.12 | $131.58 $100.62 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.99 | $175.44 $118.68 (32%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.86 | $263.16 $154.80 (41%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.77 | $394.74 $208.98 (47%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.75
Best per pill | $526.32 $269.18 (49%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 500mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 20 | $1.72 | $34.40 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 30 | $1.63 | $51.60 $49.02 (5%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.55 | $103.20 $92.88 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.41 | $154.80 $127.28 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.29 | $206.40 $154.80 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.07 | $309.60 $193.50 (38%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.97 | $464.40 $262.30 (44%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.88
Best per pill | $619.20 $318.20 (49%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 750mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 20 | $1.89 | $37.84 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 30 | $1.72 | $56.76 $51.60 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.63 | $113.52 $98.04 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.46 | $170.28 $131.58 (23%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.38 | $227.04 $165.12 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.20 | $340.56 $216.72 (36%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.13 | $510.84 $306.16 (40%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.03
Best per pill | $681.12 $371.52 (45%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms
| |||
Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic indicated for the treatment of adults with serious bacterial infections. As a synthetic chemotherapeutic agent, it demonstrates bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms through inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. This medication is reserved for cases where first-line antibiotics have failed or are inappropriate due to resistance patterns or patient factors. Proper diagnosis and antimicrobial stewardship are essential when considering Levaquin therapy.
Features
- Contains levofloxacin, the L-isomer of ofloxacin with enhanced antibacterial activity
- Available in oral tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg) and intravenous solution
- Broad-spectrum coverage including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae
- Once-daily dosing regimen for most indications
- Bioavailability of approximately 99% with oral administration
Benefits
- Effective against multidrug-resistant pathogens where other antibiotics fail
- Rapid bactericidal action reduces bacterial load quickly
- High tissue penetration ensures therapeutic concentrations at infection sites
- Convenient once-daily dosing improves adherence
- Comprehensive coverage for both community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections
- Well-established safety profile with extensive clinical experience
Common use
Levaquin is approved for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, acute pyelonephritis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, complicated skin and skin structure infections, nosocomial pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and inhalational anthrax exposure. It is also used off-label for certain other infections when susceptibility testing supports its use.
Dosage and direction
Dosage varies by indication and renal function. For most infections: 250-750 mg orally or intravenously once daily. Duration typically ranges from 7 to 14 days, though some infections require longer treatment. Administer tablets with water, with or without food. Maintain adequate hydration. Dosage adjustment required for patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min. Complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve.
Precautions
Monitor for tendon inflammation or rupture, particularly in elderly patients, those taking corticosteroids, and organ transplant recipients. May exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Use with caution in patients with CNS disorders or risk factors for seizures. Avoid excessive sunlight exposure due to photosensitivity risk. Periodic assessment of organ system functions recommended during prolonged therapy.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any product components. History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use. Concurrent administration with tizanidine. Not recommended in patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, uncorrected hypokalemia, or those taking Class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents.
Possible side effect
Common: nausea, diarrhea, headache, insomnia. Serious: tendonitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, CNS effects (dizziness, convulsions), QT prolongation, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic toxicity, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, blood glucose disturbances. Discontinue immediately at first sign of tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation.
Drug interaction
Significant interactions with: antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, sucralfate, metal cations (iron, zinc), warfarin (monitor INR), NSAIDs (increased CNS stimulation risk), corticosteroids (increased tendon rupture risk), drugs that prolong QT interval, diabetic medications (hypoglycemia possible). Administer at least 2 hours before or after these products.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain the regular dosing schedule. Contact healthcare provider if multiple doses are missed.
Overdose
Symptoms may include CNS excitation, seizures, nausea, vomiting, QT prolongation. Management is supportive with ECG monitoring. Hemodialysis removes approximately 10% of administered dose. Not removed by peritoneal dialysis. Contact poison control center immediately for guidance.
Storage
Store tablets at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep in original container, tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Levaquin is available by prescription only. Healthcare providers should prescribe antibiotics appropriately based on culture and susceptibility results when possible. Patients should complete the full course as directed and report any adverse effects promptly.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Levaquin’s efficacy in approved indications with success rates typically exceeding 85% in microbiologically evaluable patients. Post-marketing surveillance confirms the established safety profile while identifying rare serious adverse events. Many infectious disease specialists consider it an important option for resistant infections, though emphasize the need for appropriate patient selection and monitoring given the potential for serious adverse reactions.