Levofloxacin - Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics

Levofloxacin pharmacokinetics are linear and predictable after single and multiple oral or IV dosing regimens. Levofloxacin is rapidly and, in essence, completely absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are usually attained one to two hours after oral dosing. The plasma concentration profile of levofloxacin after IV administration is similar and comparable in extent of exposure (AUC) to that observed for LEVAQUIN Tablets when equal doses (mg/mg) are administered. Levofloxacin is excreted largely as unchanged drug in the urine. The mean terminal plasma elimination half-life of levofloxacin ranges from approximately 6 to 8 hours following single or multiple doses of levofloxacin given orally or intravenously. Glucuronidation and hydroxylation have been cited as one of the major metabolic pathways for levofloxacin hydrochloride. However the drug card for levofloxacin (DB01137) states that the biotransformation information is not available. Specific information regarding biotransformation does not appear to be readily available within the package inserts.