Levofloxacin

Excerpt

Levofloxacin is FDA-approved for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, acute pyelonephritis, urinary tract infection, skin or skin structure infections, prophylaxis, and treatment of plaque due to Yersinia pestis, and to reduce the incidence of disease progression of inhalational anthrax. The drug is in the fluoroquinolone class of medications, and adverse effects include pseudomembranous colitis, hepatotoxicity, and QT prolongation, necessitating patient education on discontinuation if such symptoms arise. This activity reviews monitoring strategies, FDA-issued box warnings, clinical toxicology, and relevant interactions pertinent to healthcare team members in treating patients with bacterial infections.