Talk:Levofloxacin

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[edit] Helicobacter pylori

The page on Helicobacter pylori claims Levofloxacin can be used in the treatment of clarithromycin-resistant strains of HP. Could this be aded to the list of bacteria? --85.204.119.88 09:18, 30 July 2006 (UTC)

Levofloxacin currently has no official indication against H. pylori. However, there are numerous and mounting evidence that it is useful as second line treatment of PUD when first line therpy (typically with PPI + Amox + Clarithromycin) fails. Meta-analyses have demonstrated that levofloxacin containing regimens are superior to Bismuth-based quadruple therapy as second line therapy, both in terms of efficacy (eradication of H. pylori) and tolerability.

[edit] Generics

I'm curious as to when the equivalents or generic brands will come on the market. Do any exist now aside from Levaquin?

I was told certain antibiotics cannot be cut (half dosed), is this true for levaquin? it is one of the stronger antibiotics out there.

Levaquin is currently still currently under patent protection. There are no generics available in the market until its patent expires. This is generally the same in most countries around the world that respect intellectual property rights.

Levaquin's most commonly used dose is 500mg once-daily. The dose is halved (250mg once-daily) only for certain indications, mostly in uncomplicated (mild) Urinary Tract Infections, or when a patient has impared renal clearance.