Levofloxacin: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. It acts against bacteria that are susceptible to it and should be used only when a bacterial infection is proven or strongly suspected. Levofloxacin requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available as a generic medicine.

Levofloxacin treats certain bacterial infections in adults. These include pneumonia acquired in hospital or in the community, skin and underlying tissue infections, and long-lasting bacterial infection of the prostate. It is also listed for urinary tract infections, kidney infections, bacterial flare-ups of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis.

For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, bacterial flare-ups of chronic bronchitis and bacterial sinusitis, the label reserves levofloxacin for patients with no alternative treatment options because of its serious side effects. Other listed uses include preventing illness after exposure to inhaled anthrax and treating or preventing plague.

These uses also apply to children where indicated. Treatment is intended for infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Levofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics. These medicines block bacterial enzymes that help bacteria copy and manage their genetic material. Without these enzymes working properly, bacteria cannot reproduce normally or repair their genetic material, and they die.

This action helps treat infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to the medicine. Antibiotics in this class act on bacteria rather than viruses, so their action does not treat viral infections.

The label lists oral tablets in strengths of 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg, and an oral solution of 25 mg/mL. The label lists intravenous formulations including 5 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL, and eye solutions of 5 mg/mL and 15 mg/mL. The label lists adult tablet doses of 250 mg, 500 mg or 750 mg every 24 hours, depending on the infection, for patients with creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 50 mL/minute.

The label lists community-acquired pneumonia regimens of 500 mg every 24 hours for 7 to 14 days or 750 mg every 24 hours for 5 days. The label lists chronic bacterial prostatitis treatment as 500 mg every 24 hours for 28 days. The label lists dose adjustments for creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/minute.

The choice of regimen depends on the infection and kidney function. Children's tablet use is limited by body weight and available strengths.

A missed antibiotic dose can interrupt the intended treatment schedule. General pharmacy advice is to resume the prescribed schedule when remembered unless the next dose is nearly due.

Do not double a dose to make up for a missed one. A pharmacist can advise if the timing is unclear or several doses have been missed.

Published reports and observational studies have not identified a levofloxacin-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse outcomes for the mother or baby. Animal studies found fetal toxicity at higher exposures. Levofloxacin passes into human milk, and its effects on milk production or the breastfed infant are unknown.

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for an additional 2 days after the last dose; expressing and discarding milk is an option during this period. After exposure to inhaled anthrax, the risks and benefits of continuing breastfeeding need individual assessment.

The tablet label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children. Follow the storage directions on the pack for the particular formulation.