Is Levaquin (levofloxacin) available in oral form?

Availability of Levofloxacin in Oral Form

Yes, levofloxacin (Levaquin) is available in oral form as tablets in 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg strengths. 1

Oral Formulation Details

Levofloxacin oral tablets are widely available and commonly prescribed. According to the FDA drug label, the oral formulation has the following characteristics:

• Tablet strengths: 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg 1
• Bioavailability: Approximately 99%, demonstrating complete oral absorption 1
• Absorption: Rapidly and essentially completely absorbed after oral administration 1
• Peak plasma concentrations: Usually attained one to two hours after oral dosing 1

Clinical Relevance of Oral Levofloxacin

The oral formulation of levofloxacin offers several clinical advantages:

• Bioequivalence: Oral levofloxacin is bioequivalent to the intravenous formulation, allowing for seamless transition between IV and oral therapy 1
• Food interaction: Can be administered without regard to food, although food may prolong time to peak concentration by approximately 1 hour 1
• Dosing convenience: Can be administered once daily, which may improve patient adherence 2
• High-dose, short-course regimens: Available for conditions like community-acquired pneumonia (750 mg daily for 5 days) 1

Common Clinical Applications

Oral levofloxacin is approved for various infections, including:

1. Respiratory tract infections:

   • Community-acquired pneumonia (500 mg daily for 7-14 days or 750 mg daily for 5 days) 1
   • Acute bacterial sinusitis (750 mg daily for 5 days or 500 mg daily for 10-14 days) 1

2. Urinary tract infections:

   • Complicated UTIs and acute pyelonephritis 2

3. Skin and soft tissue infections 1

Important Considerations

When prescribing oral levofloxacin, be aware of:

• Drug interactions: Antacids and other medications containing divalent cations (aluminum, magnesium, iron) markedly decrease absorption of levofloxacin; these should be administered at least 2 hours before or after levofloxacin 3

• Renal dosing: Dosage adjustment is recommended if creatinine clearance is less than 50 ml/minute 3

• Pregnancy: Should be avoided in pregnancy because of potential teratogenic effects 3

• Pediatric use: The long-term use of fluoroquinolones in children and adolescents has not been approved due to concerns about effects on bone and cartilage growth 3

• Resistance concerns: As fluoroquinolone use increases, resistance may also increase, so appropriate use is essential 3

The oral formulation's high bioavailability and interchangeability with the IV formulation make levofloxacin a versatile antibiotic option for various bacterial infections when clinically indicated.