Levaquin belongs to a group of medications known as fluoroquinolones, sometimes known just as "quinolones" for short. It works by interfering with two important bacterial enzymes (topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase). These enzymes are necessary for bacteria to be able to copy and repair DNA (important steps required in order for bacteria to multiply).
Levaquin is approved only for children who have been exposed to
anthrax; it is not approved for use in children for any other condition. Studies have shown that Levaquin can cause muscle or joint problems in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Levaquin for something other than the conditions discussed in this article. The medication is frequently used
off-label to treat many other types of infections, particularly if they are caused by bacteria that are susceptible to Levaquin. Also, using Levaquin to prevent (instead of treat) any type of infection other than anthrax is considered to be an off-label Levaquin use.
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