Levaquin
Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial agent belonging to the fluoroquinolone class. It acts by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, preventing essential bacterial DNA replication and transcription. Due to safety concerns, including risks of tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects, fluoroquinolones should be reserved for patients who have no alternative treatment options for acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated UTIs.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult dosing generally ranges from 250 mg to 750 mg taken orally or intravenously once every 24 hours, depending on the indication and renal function. It is crucial to maintain adequate hydration during therapy. Avoid administration of antacids, metal cations (iron, zinc, magnesium), or sucralfate within 2 hours before or after taking Levaquin, as they can significantly decrease absorption.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 6 months of age are not established, except for anthrax or plague post-exposure.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 40 mg to 56 mg
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Based on pediatric dosing of 8 mg/kg for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague. Fluoroquinolones are not first-line pediatric options due to musculoskeletal adverse effects.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 64 mg to 80 mg
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Based on pediatric dosing of 8 mg/kg for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague. Use under strict medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 88 mg to 120 mg
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Based on pediatric dosing of 8 mg/kg for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague. Monitor closely for joint or tendon pain.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 128 mg to 160 mg
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Based on pediatric dosing of 8 mg/kg for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague. Ensure patient completes full course as prescribed.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 6 months of age are not established, except for anthrax or plague post-exposure. |
| 5-7 kg | 40 mg to 56 mg | Every 12 hours | Based on pediatric dosing of 8 mg/kg for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague. Fluoroquinolones are not first-line pediatric options due to musculoskeletal adverse effects. |
| 8-10 kg | 64 mg to 80 mg | Every 12 hours | Based on pediatric dosing of 8 mg/kg for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague. Use under strict medical supervision. |
| 11-15 kg | 88 mg to 120 mg | Every 12 hours | Based on pediatric dosing of 8 mg/kg for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague. Monitor closely for joint or tendon pain. |
| 16-20 kg | 128 mg to 160 mg | Every 12 hours | Based on pediatric dosing of 8 mg/kg for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague. Ensure patient completes full course as prescribed. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat various bacterial infections including community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, acute pyelonephritis, skin infections, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and for post-exposure prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax and plague.
Generic Name
LevofloxacinScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.