Levofloxacin is relatively new fluoroquinolone antibiotic, marketed by Ortho-McNeil under the brand name Levaquin. Chemically, Levofloxacin is the S-enantiomer (L-isomer) of ofloxacin.
Levofloxacin is effective against a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Because of its broad spectrum of action, levofloxacin is frequently prescribed in hospitals for pulmonary infections before the specific causal organisim is known. Once the causal organisim is known, levofloxacin is discontinued and the patient is given a narrow-spectrum antibiotic.
Gram-positive bacteria
Gram-negative bacteria
Other
Some information extracted from Levaquin Prescribing information.
