Levofloxacin

The US label for levofloxacin tablets lists treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria in adults aged 18 and older. It also lists some uses in children.

The infections include pneumonia, skin and skin structure infections, chronic bacterial prostatitis, urinary tract infections, kidney infection, bronchitis flare-ups and sinusitis. It is also listed for post-exposure anthrax and plague.

Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses such as colds or flu. Using them when not needed can lead to resistant bacteria.

• Pneumonia, community acquired and hospital acquired
• Skin and skin structure infections
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Urinary tract infections and acute kidney infection
• Acute bacterial bronchitis flare-ups and sinusitis
• Anthrax (after exposure) and plague

The label places levofloxacin in the fluoroquinolone class of antibacterial medicines.

The label text we reviewed gives no further detail on how it works, so we do not add any.

This page covers the US label for levofloxacin tablets taken by mouth, with the adult dosing the label gives.

This is label-level information, not personal advice. Indian pack labels may differ, and your prescriber's instruction always comes first.

For adults with normal kidney function, the label lists 250 mg, 500 mg or 750 mg once every 24 hours. The amount and the length of treatment depend on the infection.

Examples from the label include 500 mg for 7 to 14 days for one type of pneumonia and 750 mg for 5 days for another. Prostatitis is listed at 500 mg for 28 days.

The label says doses need adjusting when kidney function is reduced. It also says to separate the tablets from antacids, iron and similar products by about 2 hours.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long to continue. Do not stop or restart on your own.

• Once every 24 hours in adults with normal kidney function
• Strength and number of days depend on the infection
• Kidney impairment needs a dose change
• Keep tablets 2 hours apart from antacids, iron and zinc products

It must not be used by anyone allergic to levofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics. People with myasthenia gravis should avoid it, as it can worsen muscle weakness.

The label advises extra care in older adults, who face a higher risk of tendon problems, especially with corticosteroids. It also names people with kidney disease, known heart rhythm problems, low potassium and diabetes.

In pregnancy, the label says published reports have not shown a clear risk of major birth defects, while animal studies showed some effects at high doses. Talk to your doctor.

The label warns of musculoskeletal problems in children. Tablets are for children weighing 30 kg or more and only for certain uses.

• Allergy to quinolones: do not use
• Myasthenia gravis: avoid
• Older adults and steroid users: higher tendon risk
• Kidney disease: dose change
• Heart rhythm problems, low potassium: QT risk
• Diabetes: watch blood sugar
• Children: only where the label allows

• Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc: separate by 2 hours
• Warfarin: monitor clotting
• Diabetes medicines: check blood sugar
• Other QT-prolonging medicines: avoid together
• The label says antacids with magnesium or aluminium, sucralfate, iron, zinc multivitamins and didanosine can reduce absorption.
• Take them at least 2 hours before or after the tablet.
• Warfarin effects may be stronger, so clotting tests and watching for bleeding are advised.
• Medicines for diabetes may need closer blood sugar checks.
• The label also advises avoiding use with other medicines that prolong the QT interval.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines.

No match in this label text. Ask your pharmacist about any medicine you take.

The label says that after an overdose the stomach should be emptied, and the person observed and kept hydrated.

Dialysis does not remove levofloxacin well. Seek emergency care or contact a poison control centre.

The label says to store tablets at 20 to 25 degrees C, in well-closed containers.

Follow the storage line on your own Indian pack and keep medicines away from children.

Yes. We found levofloxacin in Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules (serial 32, rules 65 and 97), so it is a prescription medicine.

It is on the National List of Essential Medicines 2022 as 300, 500 and 750 mg tablets (page 73).

The Jan Aushadhi list we checked includes 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, an infusion and eye drops. Levofloxacin appears in 5 entries of the banned-combination list we checked, so check any combination product.

NPPA lists per-tablet ceilings for 250, 500 and 750 mg tablets in two lists, shown above. They are ceilings, not the price you will always pay.

Jan Aushadhi lists levofloxacin 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, an infusion and eye drops. Check the pack and the seller for the actual price.