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

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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