Levofloxacin is a medicine sold in the U.S. under 5 brand and generic names, for bronchitis, chlamydia infections and escherichia coli infections. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
From the FDA label for Levaquin in Dextrose 5% in Plastic Container (application NDA020635). Other levofloxacin products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Dosage in patients with normal renal function ( 2.1 ) Type of Infection Dose Every 24 hours Duration (days) Nosocomial Pneumonia ( 1.1 ) 750 mg 7-14 Community Acquired Pneumonia ( 1.2 ) 500 mg 7-14 Community Acquired Pneumonia ( 1.3 ) 750 mg 5 Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (SSSI) ( 1.4 ) 750 mg 7-14 Uncomplicated SSSI ( 1.5 ) 500 mg 7-10 Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis ( 1.6 ) 500 mg 28 Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure) ( 1.7 ) Adults and Pediatric Patients > 50 kg 500 mg 60 Pediatric Patients < 50 kg and ≥ 6 months of age 8 mg/kg BID (not to exceed 250 mg/dose) 60 Plague ( 1.8 ) Adults and Pediatric Patients > 50 kg 500 mg 10 to 14 Pediatric Patients < 50 kg and ≥ 6 months of age 8 mg/kg BID (not to exceed 250 mg/dose) 10 to 14 Complicated Urinary Tract Infection ( 1.9 ) or Acute Pyelonephritis ( 1.11 ) 750 mg 5 Complicated Urinary Tract Infection ( 1.10 ) or Acute Pyelonephritis ( 1.11 ) 250 mg 10 Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection ( 1.12 ) 250 mg 3 Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis ( 1.13 ) 500 mg 7 Acute Bacterial Sinusitis ( 1.14 ) 750 mg 5 500 mg 10-14 • Adjust dose for creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min ( 2.3 , 8.6 , 12.3 ) • IV Injection Premix: Slow IV infusion only, over 60 or 90 minutes depending on dose. Avoid rapid or bolus IV ( 2.5 ) • Do not mix with other medications in IV line ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Dosage…
The most common reactions (≥3%) were nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, constipation and dizziness ( 6.2 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Baxter Healthcare Corporation at 1-877-725-2747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Serious and Otherwise Important Adverse Reactions The following serious and otherwise important adverse drug reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: • Disabling and Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Peripheral Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Central Nervous System Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Other Serious and Sometimes Fatal Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Prolongation of the QT Interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] • Musculoskeletal Disorders in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] • Blood Glucose Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] • Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity [see Warnings and…
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Typical price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 2 |
Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.
| Imprint | Strength | Colour | Shape | Maker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDY;280 | 500 mg | orange | capsule | — |
| RDY;281 | 750 mg | yellow | capsule | — |
| ZC55 | 250 mg | white | capsule | — |
| I;18 | 750 mg | white | capsule | — |
| I;26 | 500 mg | orange | capsule | — |
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, or other quinolone antibacterials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones ( 4 , 5.7 )
Interacting Drug Interaction Multivalent cation-containing products including antacids, metal cations or didanosine Do not co-administer the intravenous formulation in the same IV line with a multivalent cation, e.g., magnesium ( 2.4 , 7.1 ) Warfarin Effect may be enhanced. Monitor prothrombin time, INR, watch for bleeding ( 7.2 ) Antidiabetic agents Carefully monitor blood glucose ( 5.13 , 7.3 ) 7.1 Chelation Agents: Antacids, Sucralfate, Metal Cations, Multivitamins There are no data concerning an interaction of intravenous fluoroquinolones with oral antacids, sucralfate, multivitamins, didanosine, or metal cations. However, no fluoroquinolone should be co-administered with any solution containing multivalent cations, e.g., magnesium, through the same intravenous line [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. 7.2 Warfarin No significant effect of levofloxacin on the peak plasma concentrations, AUC, and other disposition parameters for R- and S- warfarin was detected in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. Similarly, no apparent effect of warfarin on levofloxacin absorption and disposition was observed. However, there have been reports during the postmarketing experience in patients that levofloxacin enhances the effects of warfarin. Elevations of the prothrombin time in the setting of concurrent warfarin and levofloxacin use have been associated with episodes of…
| 72/100 |
| Prescription |
| Injectable |
| Generic |
| $0 |
| View → |
| 3 | 70/100 | Prescription | Solution | Generic | $0 | View → |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Drops | Generic | $0 | View → |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Drops | Generic | $0 | View → |