Antimicrobials
Levofloxacin

Levofloxacin

High
Excellent
IV-$14/d PO-$3/d

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

Monitor QTc in patients with increased risk

  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Rash
  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Tendinopathy and rupture have been reported
  • QTc prolongation have been reported
  • Increased risk when combined with other QTc prolonging agents.
  • AVOID concomitant administration with antacids, multivitamin & mineral supplements. Space doses by 2 hours.
  • Increased risk of tendon rupture especially with concomitant use of corticosteroids.
  • Monitor INR with warfarin.

Not available

500 mg tablet (very bitter when crushed) Tablets and capsules are preferred especially over an unpleasant tasting liquid. Not all strengths of oral tablets/capsules are listed and they are not all available on the IWK formulary.

Dosing for oral and IV levofloxacin is identical Not to be given IM or SC administration.

Antimicrobial class: Fluoroquinolone

Average serum half life: • Infants ≥6 months to 5 years: ~4 hours.

  • Children 5-16 years: 4.8-6 hours.
  • Adults: 6-8 hours

Route of Elimination: 87% excreted unchanged in urine over 48 hours by tubular secretion and glomerular filtration; 4% in feces