Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on December 10th, 2025.
Levofloxacin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
Dosage depends on the type and severity of infection, patient age, and kidney function.
Typical adult doses range from 250 mg to 750 mg once daily, with treatment duration varying by condition.
Children’s dosing is less common and must be carefully calculated based on weight and infection type.
Missed doses should be taken as soon as possible, but never doubled up to catch up.
Adjustments are necessary for patients with kidney impairment to avoid toxicity.
Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing advice, and consider telehealth options like Doctronic.ai for quick, expert guidance.
Levofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. It fights bacteria by stopping their growth and reproduction. This medication is prescribed for infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and certain types of bronchitis. Because it’s potent, proper dosing is crucial to ensure effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Levofloxacin is typically taken orally as a tablet or, in hospital settings, administered intravenously. The dosage and duration depend on the type of infection and patient-specific factors, including age and kidney function.
Form |
Strength |
Typical Adult Dose |
Typical Children’s Dose |
Frequency |
Route |
Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tablet |
250 mg |
250 mg |
8 mg/kg (up to 250 mg) |
Once daily |
Oral |
750 mg/day |
Tablet |
500 mg |
500 mg |
Not typically used |
Once daily |
Oral |
750 mg/day |
Tablet |
750 mg |
750 mg |
Not typically used |
Once daily |
Oral |
750 mg/day |
Injection |
5 mg/mL |
250-750 mg |
Less common |
Once daily |
IV |
750 mg/day |
For uncomplicated UTIs, adults typically take 250 mg once daily for 3 days. Complicated infections may require 250 mg to 500 mg daily for 7 to 14 days. Children’s doses are calculated by weight, usually 8 mg/kg once daily for 7 to 14 days.
Community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial sinusitis usually require 500 mg once daily for 7 to 14 days. More severe infections might need 750 mg daily for up to 14 days. Children are generally not prescribed levofloxacin for respiratory infections unless no alternatives exist.
Adults often receive 500 mg once daily for 7 to 14 days. Severe cases may require 750 mg once daily. Pediatric use is rare and should be under strict medical supervision.
Adult dosing varies widely depending on the infection. The most common doses are 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg once daily. Treatment length can range from 3 days for simple infections to 14 days or more for complicated cases. It’s important to follow the prescribed duration to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Levofloxacin is not commonly used in children due to concerns about joint and tendon effects. When prescribed, doses are carefully calculated based on weight, usually around 8 mg/kg once daily. Treatment duration depends on the infection, but generally mirrors adult protocols in length.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double doses to catch up, as this increases the risk of side effects. Consistency is key to the medication working properly.
Levofloxacin is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Patients with reduced kidney function require dose adjustments to avoid accumulation and toxicity. The exact adjustment depends on the severity of impairment, so it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Patients with a history of tendon disorders or neurological conditions should use levofloxacin cautiously. Inform your doctor about all medical conditions before starting treatment.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and seizures. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately. Levofloxacin carries warnings about tendon rupture, nerve damage, and heart rhythm changes. Always use under medical supervision and report any unusual symptoms promptly.
Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain steady levels.
Avoid taking levofloxacin with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone, as they can reduce absorption.
Stay hydrated to help prevent kidney issues.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid interactions.
Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early.
Levofloxacin dosing can be complex, especially when factoring in individual health conditions and other medications. For tailored advice and quick answers, Doctronic.ai offers free AI-powered consultations that synthesize the latest medical research. You can also connect with licensed doctors via affordable telehealth video visits available 24/7 across all 50 states. This makes it easier than ever to get personalized care and dosage guidance without leaving home.
Levofloxacin is a versatile antibiotic with dosing that must be carefully matched to the infection and patient characteristics. Taking the right dose at the right time ensures the best chance of recovery and minimizes risks. When in doubt, turn to trusted resources like Doctronic.ai for expert advice and personalized dosage information.
Yes, levofloxacin can be taken with or without food. However, avoid taking it with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone, as they can interfere with absorption.
Many patients start feeling better within a few days, but it’s important to finish the entire prescribed course to fully clear the infection.
It can be safe if the dose is adjusted properly. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking levofloxacin if you have kidney issues.
Report any unusual symptoms such as tendon pain, swelling, or neurological symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Levofloxacin is generally avoided in children unless no safer alternatives exist. When prescribed, dosing is carefully calculated by weight.
Doctronic.ai offers AI-driven and doctor-supported guidance tailored to your specific health needs, making it a reliable source for dosage questions.
Key TakeawaysLevofloxacin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.Dosage depends on the type and severity of infection, patient age, and kidney [...]
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