From the FDA Drug Label
The usual dose of levofloxacin tablets is 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg administered orally every 24 hours, as indicated by infection and described in Table 1. Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection 250 mg 3
The recommended dosage of Levaquin (levofloxacin) for an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) is 250 mg administered orally every 24 hours for 3 days 1.
From the Research
For an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by E. coli, the recommended dosage of Levaquin (levofloxacin) is 250 mg taken orally once daily for 3 days. This regimen is typically effective because levofloxacin concentrates well in the urinary tract and has good activity against most strains of E. coli, as shown in a study from 2. The medication should be taken with plenty of water, and can be administered with or without food. Patients should complete the entire course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. It's essential to maintain adequate hydration during treatment to help flush bacteria from the urinary system.
Key Considerations
- Fluoroquinolones like Levaquin are generally considered second-line therapy for uncomplicated UTIs due to concerns about resistance and side effects, so they're typically reserved for cases where first-line antibiotics (like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or nitrofurantoin) cannot be used due to allergies, resistance patterns, or other contraindications, as discussed in 3 and 4.
- Patients should be aware that Levaquin may cause tendon inflammation or rupture, particularly in older adults, and any unusual pain or swelling should prompt immediate medical attention.
- The choice of antibiotic should be based on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the molecule to optimize clinical benefit and minimize the risk of antibacterial resistance, as outlined in 5.
Additional Guidance
- According to 6, for uncomplicated UTIs, fosfomycin trometamol, nitrofurantoin, or pivmecillinam are recommended as first-line agents, while fluoroquinolones are recommended for uncomplicated pyelonephritis.
- It's crucial to use the latest antimicrobial agents wisely to avoid resistance development, as emphasized in 4.