Generic Versions of Levofloxacin Approved

MONDAY, June 20 (HealthDay News) — The first generic versions of levofloxacin, prescribed under the brand name Levaquin, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The antibiotic is sanctioned for infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder or prostate, as well as certain strains of bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia, the agency said in a news release.

The generic versions, licensed to be produced by 12 manufacturers, is chemically equivalent to the brand-name drug. It belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones, which have a boxed label warning for increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture. The risk is higher among people 60 and older, among people who take corticosteroid drugs, and among people who have had kidney, heart or lung transplants, the FDA said.

More information

To learn more about this drug, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

– Scott Roberts

Last Updated: June 20, 2011