Levofloxacin dosage for adults?

Dosing for levofloxacin in adults depends on the infection being treated and kidney function. Below are general guidelines for adults with normal renal function. Always follow your doctor’s exact prescription and the product label.

Common adult doses (normal kidney function)

- Uncomplicated cystitis (simple UTI): 250 mg by mouth once daily for 3 days.

- Acute pyelonephritis or complicated UTI: 750 mg by mouth once daily for 5 days.

- Acute bacterial sinusitis: 500 mg by mouth once daily for 10 days.

- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): 750 mg by mouth once daily for about 5 days (some guidelines allow 5–7 days; severe illness may be longer).

- Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 500 mg by mouth once daily for 7 days (some regimens use 750 mg daily for 5 days).

- Skin and soft tissue infections: 500–750 mg by mouth once daily for 7–14 days (depending on severity).

Renal impairment (adjustments)

- Levofloxacin is renally cleared, so doses are adjusted by kidney function. The usual rule is not to exceed 750 mg per day and to extend dosing intervals as creatinine clearance declines.

- CrCl 50 mL/min or higher: use standard dosing (as above).

- CrCl 20–49 mL/min: dosing interval is often extended (e.g., 750 mg every 48 hours for some indications; others may use lower doses every 24–48 hours). Check the specific infection guidelines or the product labeling.

- CrCl < 20 mL/min or patients on dialysis: dosing is individualized; many indications are not recommended or require specialist guidance.

Important notes

- Take levofloxacin exactly as prescribed. Do not switch between 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg doses unless your clinician tells you to; the shape of the tablet on label matters.

- Levofloxacin can be taken with or without food. Do not take with antacids, iron or calcium supplements, or multivitamins containing minerals within 2 hours before or after a dose, as these can affect absorption.

- Typical total duration varies by infection and severity; do not stop early just because you feel better.

- This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have kidney disease, are taking other medicines that affect the QT interval, or have a history of tendon disorders or myasthenia gravis, tell your clinician.

If you can share the specific infection being treated and your current kidney function (creatinine clearance or eGFR), I can tailor a more precise dosing range for you.