Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis, skin infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works by killing bacteria that are sensitive to this medication.
This antibiotic is available in pharmacies as 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg tablets, an oral solution (25 mg/mL), and an intravenous solution (5 mg/mL). It may be sold as a generic or under brand names such as Levaquin.
Levofloxacin requires a prescription and should only be used under medical supervision.
What is levofloxacin used for?
Levofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:
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Nosocomial pneumonia;
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Community-acquired pneumonia;
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Uncomplicated and complicated skin and skin-structure infections;
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Chronic bacterial prostatitis;
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Uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infection;
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Acute pyelonephritis;
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Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis;
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Acute bacterial sinusitis;
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Post-exposure anthrax inhalation;
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Plague (including pneumonic plague);
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Osteomyelitis (off-label).
It may also be used to help treat complicated intra-abdominal infections if the source of the infection is susceptible and as part of empiric therapy in combination with other antibiotics for sepsis.
Can levofloxacin be taken for a UTI?
Levofloxacin is commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs), including cystitis and kidney infections (pyelonephritis). It helps eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract and treat the infection.
How to take it
Levofloxacin tablets should be taken by mouth with a full glass of water, before or after meals, following the dosing schedule prescribed by a healthcare provider.
People taking iron supplements, antacids, or sucralfate should take levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after these products to avoid reduced absorption.
Dosing instructions
Levofloxacin is available in 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg tablets, as well as an oral solution, and can also be administered intravenously. The dosage varies based on the type and severity of the infection.
1. Levofloxacin 250 mg
Levofloxacin 250 mg is usually prescribed for the treatment of uncomplicated or complicated urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis.
The usual dose is 250 mg once daily for 3 days to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections, or 250 mg once daily for 10 days for complicated UTIs or pyelonephritis.
2. Levofloxacin 500 mg
The following table provides the typical dosing information for levofloxacin 500 mg based on the indication:
Levofloxacin 500 mg may also be prescribed off-label for the treatment of osteomyelitis (500 mg once daily for 6 to 12 weeks).
The duration of treatment with levofloxacin should always be determined by a healthcare provider based on the condition being treated.
3. Levofloxacin 750 mg
Levofloxacin 750 mg is usually prescribed for the treatment of bacterial sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, or acute pyelonephritis.
The typical dose of levofloxacin 750 mg for adults is 1 tablet of 750 mg once a day for 5 days, as directed by a doctor.
4. Levofloxacin oral solution (25 mg/mL)
The oral solution of levofloxacin is less commonly used than the tablet form and is typically reserved for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or need precise dosing adjustments, such as children or adults with swallowing disorders.
It may also be used in clinical situations that require enteral administration via feeding tubes or when a liquid formulation is clinically preferred for absorption or patient compliance reasons.
5. Levofloxacin IV (5 mg/mL)
Levofloxacin injection (5 mg/mL) is administered intravenously over 60 to 90 minutes by a healthcare provider. Dosing varies depending on the type of infection and should be determined by the doctor.
Levofloxacin side effects
The most common side effects of levofloxacin include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, headache or dizziness, insomnia, and abdominal pain.
Less common but more serious side effects can include Achilles tendon rupture, seizures, hallucinations, anxiety, agitation, taste disturbances, pancreatitis, skin blistering or itching, muscle weakness, body pain, fever, malaise, and abnormal liver function tests.
Contraindications for use
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in people with an allergy to levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin) and should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It should also be avoided in people with epilepsy or a history of tendon disorders, such as tendonitis or tendon rupture.