Levofloxacin is a prescription antibiotic that belongs to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones.
It is available in the form of oral tablets, oral solutions, and eye drops.
It also comes in IV (intravenous) form to be injected into the body.
Like most other medications, levofloxacin is cleared from the body by the kidneys.
Levofloxacin is known to cause a few side effects, some of which tend to last longer until the medication stays in your system.
Hence, patients using this medication are often curious to know how long levofloxacin stays in their system.
In this article, we will discuss what levofloxacin’s half-life is and how to ensure the medication is cleared from your body in a shorter duration.
What is The Half-Life of Levofloxacin?
The half-life of a medication refers to the time taken for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.
The mean half-life of levofloxacin ranges between 6 and 8 hours
This means that 50% of the amount of Levaquin is eliminated from your body within 6 to 8 hours of taking the dose.
However, certain factors might prolong the half-life of levofloxacin, allowing a larger amount of the medication to persist in your system.
For example, concomitant administration of antacids, such as cimetidine or probenecid, can slow down the excretion of levofloxacin by the kidneys.
As a result, the half-life of this drug is prolonged. This is why patients are often advised to take their doses of antacids at least hours before or after levofloxacin.
The half-life is also longer in patients who suffer from kidney diseases. The longer half-life in patients with renal conditions can make them vulnerable to developing side effects that tend to persist for longer.
Hence, if you suffer from a renal condition, you must inform the doctor before you start using levofloxacin.
Your doctor might recommend alternative medication or suggest ways to flush levofloxacin out of your system faster to help you avoid the side effects of Levaquin.
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How Long Does Levaquin Stay In Your System?
The half-life of Levofloxacin is 6 to 8 hours in people with normal kidney function. It’s important to note that the complete elimination of a drug from the body usually takes about 5 half-lives.
Therefore, it can take approximately 30 to 40 hours for levofloxacin to be mostly eliminated from the system
However, individual factors such as kidney function, liver function, and other health considerations can affect the elimination time.
It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the duration and dosage of levofloxacin or any other medication.
If you have concerns about the drug’s presence in your system, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized information based on your health status and medical history.
How to Flush Levofloxacin Out of Your System Faster
Increasing the secretion of urine and promoting the body’s natural detoxification processes could flush Levofloxacin out of your body faster.
Here are some ways to flush levofloxacin out of your system:
- Increase your intake of water.
- Eat fruits and vegetables that have a high water content, such as melons, citrus fruits, bottled gourds, and cucumbers.
- Drink fruit juices (without added sugar).
Does Levaquin Have Any Withdrawal Symptoms?
Levofloxacin is not known to cause any withdrawal symptoms. However, if you stop using the drug before completing the recommended course or if you skip the doses, your infection may not be completely cleared.
In addition, the bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotics. Hence, it is advisable to complete the course of levofloxacin prescribed to you and not stop using the medication unless advised by your doctor.
Conclusion
Being aware of the half-life of levofloxacin and the duration for which this drug stays in your system will help you get an idea of how long the side effects might persist.
You can contact your physician to know more about how long levofloxacin might stay in your system and what you can do to flush Levaquin out of your body more quickly.
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