Levofloxacin Uses

Levofloxacin oral is used to treat bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections (pneumonia), skin and skin structure infections, kidney infections, complicated urinary tract infections, and prostate gland infections. Levofloxacin is not typically used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and acute bacterial sinusitis when other options are available. This antibiotic is also used to prevent anthrax and to treat and prevent plague (these infections may be spread on purpose during bioterror attacks).

Note: Levofloxacin is an antibiotic and can only treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and will not treat the common cold, flu, or other viral illnesses.

There may be other uses of levofloxacin—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further levofloxacin drug information.

Levofloxacin Mechanism of Action

Levofloxacin kills bacteria by inhibiting DNA synthesis.

Levofloxacin Doses

The dose of levofloxacin and the duration of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated. The usual doses are as follows:

• Nosocomial or community-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg to 750 mg once a day for 7-14 days
• Acute bacterial sinusitis: 750 mg once a day for 5 days or 500 mg once a day for 7-14 days
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 500 mg once a day for 7 days
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: 500 mg once a day for 28 days
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: 500 mg once a day for 7-10 days
• Complicated skin and skin structure infections: 750 mg once a day for 7-14 days
• Complicated urinary tract infection or acute pyelonephritis: 250 mg once daily for 10 days or 750 mg once daily for 5 days
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection: 250 mg daily for 3 days