Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction and repair of their genetic material DNA. It is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones a class that includes ciprofloxacin Cipro norfloxacin Noroxin ofloxacin Floxin trovafloxacin Trovan and lomefloxacin Maxaquin. Levofloxacin was approved by the FDA in 1996.

Levofloxacin usually is given once daily. It is important to take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid or mineral supplement with iron calcium zinc or magnesium since these minerals bind levofloxacin and prevent its absorption.

The most frequently reported side events are nausea or vomiting 1 out of every 12 persons diarrhea 1 out 20 headache 1 out 20 and constipation 1 out of 30. Less common side effects include difficulty sleeping dizziness abdominal pain rash abdominal gas and itching.

Minerals with 2 or 3 positive charges called divalent or trivalent ions respectively can attach to levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones and prevent their absorption from the intestine into the blood. Therefore such products containing iron calcium zinc or magnesium as well as antacids should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after levofloxacin. Other drugs which contain these ions and which can similarly interact with levofloxacin include sucralfate Carafate and didanosine dDI.

Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs with levofloxacin may increase the risk of CNS stimulation resulting in over-excitation. There have been reports of changes in blood sugar in patients treated with other fluoroquinolones and antidiabetic agents. Other fluoroquinolones have been reported to increase blood levels of theophylline Theodur warfarin Coumadin and cyclosporine Sandimmune Neoral. There have not yet been similar reports with levofloxacin.

Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the sinuses skin lungs ears airways bones and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Levofloxacin also is frequently used to treat urinary infections including those resistant to other antibiotics as well as prostatitis. Levofloxacin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli campylobacter jejuni and shigella bacteria. Levofloxacin also can be used to treat various obstetric infections including mastitis.

Levofloxacin should be stored below 86°F.