What is the recommended infusion time for intravenous (IV) administration of Levofloxacin (levofloxacin) 500mg in 100ml?

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Last updated: December 20, 2025View editorial policy

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Levofloxacin 500mg in 100ml Infusion Time

Levofloxacin 500mg in 100ml should be infused over 60 minutes (1 hour). 1, 2

Standard IV Administration Protocol

  • The recommended infusion time for levofloxacin 500mg IV is 60 minutes, which has been validated across multiple clinical trials and represents the standard administration method 1, 2, 3

  • Oral absorption is very rapid and complete, with little difference in the serum concentration-time profiles following 500mg oral or intravenous (infused over 60 minutes) doses, demonstrating bioequivalence between formulations 1

  • This 60-minute infusion time applies to the standard 500mg dose used for most indications including community-acquired pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, and acute bacterial sinusitis 2, 4

Clinical Context for Different Doses

  • For the higher dose of 750mg once daily, the same 60-minute infusion time is maintained, as this regimen has been studied and approved for severe infections including nosocomial pneumonia and complicated skin infections 2, 4

  • Sequential intravenous to oral therapy can be implemented seamlessly due to the bioequivalence of the formulations, allowing flexible treatment options 2, 3

Critical Administration Considerations

  • Do not administer levofloxacin within 2 hours of antacids or medications containing divalent cations (calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron), as these markedly decrease fluoroquinolone absorption even with IV administration due to chelation effects 5, 6

  • The plasma elimination half-life ranges from 6 to 8 hours in individuals with normal renal function, supporting once-daily dosing 1

Common Pitfall to Avoid

  • Never infuse levofloxacin as a rapid IV push or bolus—the 60-minute infusion time is essential for safety and tolerability 1, 2

  • Approximately 80% of levofloxacin is eliminated as unchanged drug in the urine, requiring dosage adjustments in patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min 5, 1

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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