levofloxacin, an antiinfective drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat acute sinusitis, acute or chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated skin infections, complicated urinary tract infections, and acute pyelonephritis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to quinolones and photosensitivity prohibit its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects are anaphylaxis, multisystem organ failure, hemolytic anemia, pseudomembranous colitis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Other adverse effects include hypoglycemia, hypersensitivity, dizziness, anxiety, encephalopathy, paresthesia, chest pain, palpitations, vasodilation, eosinophilia, lymphopenia, pneumonitis, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vaginitis, crystalluria, rash, and pruritus. Common side effects are headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and photosensitivity.
