Levaquin (Levofloxacin)

Antibiotics are used rampantly in clinical medicine. There application is primarily in the treatment of bacterial diseases. One of the commonly used antibiotic in clinical practice is Levaquin i.e. levofloxacin. In this article, we shall briefly review this drug and doc about its clinical applications.

What is Levaquin?

Levaquin is levofloxacin. It belongs to the floroquinolone group of antibiotics and are commonly used in the treatment of different bacterial infections.

What does Levaquin treat?

Levaquin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections that affect the chest, urinary tract, skin and bladder. In addition, they have been used in the management of tuberculosis and sometimes in the treatment of non-specific infections. Sinusitis and skin infections can be treated easily with this drug. Inflammation of the prostate gland i.e. prostatitis that has been affected secondarily by bacterial infection can also be treated using Levaquin.

Dosage of Levaquin

Levaquin is available in doses of 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg. It is either administered orally or as an intravenous preparation. The route of administration depends upon the clinical indication and the urgency of treatment. In children, the dose of Levaquin is decided upon depending on the individual’s body weight.

Dose of Levaquin must be adjusted in patients who have abnormal kidney function.

Levofloxacin can be administered safely in pregnant women as long as the benefits of taking the treatment of whether the risks. It is not recommended to be given in nursing mothers.

Mechanism of action

Levaquin works by blocking the effect of Type II topoisomerase enzymes. These are important enzymes that are responsible for publication of bacteria. By stopping this, bacteria are unable to provide and this can help control infections and treat them.

Side-effects

One of the warnings that accompany long-term use of Levaquin is its effect on tendons. In particular, it can affect the Achilles tendon that lies in the foot. Inflammation of the tendon i.e. tendinitis may occur and this requires withdrawal of the drug and early management. The inflammation can be rather severe and can actually cause even rupture of the at least tendon. This often requires repair through surgical means.

Levaquin can also exacerbate i.e. worsen a condition called myasthenia gravis. This condition is characterised by muscle weakness and occurs due to problems with the conduction of electrical impulses between the nerve fibres.

Other serious side-effects can occur that affect the nervous system and abdomen. For example, patients may develop diarrhoea following the use of Levaquin.

Interactions

As such, it does not appear that Levaquin has too many interactions with other drugs that are prescribed to patients.

Levaquin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that has a wide range of uses in clinical practice. It has an excellent effect on bacteria and is relatively safe with minimal side-effects. Interactions with other drugs are also uncommon making it is safe and effective drug in the treatment of bacterial infections.