Questions and Answers
What classification does levofloxacin belong to?
What are the indications for using levofloxacin?
Urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and post-exposure prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax.
What is a contraindication of levofloxacin?
Hypersensitivity.
Which of the following are side effects of levofloxacin? (Select all that apply)
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What are some adverse reactions associated with levofloxacin?
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The onset time for levofloxacin when taken PO (by mouth) is ______.
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What is the standard dosage of levofloxacin for adults?
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Study Notes
Levofloxacin (Levaquin) Overview
- Classification: Therapeutic anti-infectives used to treat a variety of infections.
Indications
- Effective against urinary tract infections, including cystitis, pyelonephritis, and prostatitis.
- Treats respiratory tract infections such as acute sinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, and nosocomial pneumonia.
- Used for uncomplicated and complicated skin and skin structure infections.
- Administered as post-exposure prophylaxis for inhalational anthrax.
Contraindications
- Not recommended for individuals with hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or related drugs due to potential cross-sensitivity within the class.
Side Effects
- Common side effects may include:
- Neurological: agitation, anxiety, confusion, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, insomnia, nightmares, paranoia, tremor.
- Gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea.
- Dermatological: rash, photosensitivity.
- Other: headache, phlebitis at IV site.
Adverse Reactions
- Serious adverse reactions can include:
- Elevated intracranial pressure.
- Seizures.
- Torsades de pointes (a type of abnormal heart rhythm).
- Pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon).
- Hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (serious skin reaction).
Pharmacokinetics
- Routes of administration and effects:
- Oral (PO): Rapid onset within 1-2 hours, peak effect at 24 hours.
- Intravenous (IV): Rapid onset by the end of infusion, peak effect at 24 hours.
Dosage
- Dosage for adults:
- Administered orally or intravenously, typically ranging from 250-750 mg every 24 hours, depending on the specific infection being treated.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Levofloxacin (Levaquin) with these flashcards. This quiz covers key therapeutic classifications and indications, including various infections it treats. Perfect for medical students and pharmacy learners.
