Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections in adults and children. It is commonly prescribed for infections of the respiratory tract (such as pneumonia and bronchitis), urinary tract (including kidney infections), skin and soft tissue, and prostate. Levofloxacin is also approved for the treatment of sinus infections, certain eye infections (like bacterial conjunctivitis), anthrax post-exposure, and plague[1][2][3][4][5][6].
Some of the main uses for levofloxacin include:
- Community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia
- Acute sinus infections (sinusitis) and acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Urinary tract infections (including complicated UTIs and acute pyelonephritis)
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Skin and skin structure infections (both complicated and uncomplicated)
- Prophylaxis and treatment of inhalational anthrax and plague
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (in its ophthalmic form)
Levofloxacin may also be used in certain cases for endocarditis, active tuberculosis, shigellosis, salmonella, certain sexually transmitted diseases, prevention or treatment of traveler’s diarrhea, and as part of therapy for opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV[2][3].
Because of increasing bacterial resistance and the risk of side effects, levofloxacin is generally reserved for cases where other alternatives may not be appropriate[7].
References
- [1] Levofloxacin: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action
- [2] Levofloxacin Patient Drug Record | NIH
- [3] Levofloxacin: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [4] LEVAQUIN® (levofloxacin) Labeling – accessdata.fda.gov
- [5] Levofloxacin (Levaquin) – Uses, Side Effects, and More
- [6] Levofloxacin (intravenous route) – Side effects & uses
- [7] Levofloxacin: Pharmacology, Side Effects …