Levofloxacin in veterinary medicine: a literature review

A potent third-generation antimicrobial fluoroquinolone drug, levofloxacin was introduced into human clinical practice in 1993. Levofloxacin is also used in veterinary medicine, however its use is limited: it is completely banned for veterinary use in the EU, and used extralabel in only companion animals in the USA. Since its introduction to clinical practice, many studies have been published on levofloxacin in animal species, including pharmacokinetic studies, tissue drug depletion, efficacy, and animal microbial isolate susceptibility to levofloxacin. This literature overview highlights the most clinically relevant and scientifically important levofloxacin studies linked to the field of veterinary medicine.

Automated summary

Levofloxacin, a potent third-generation antimicrobial drug, has been studied in animal species since its introduction into clinical practice in 1993. However, its veterinary use is restricted, being completely banned in the EU and limited to extralabel use in companion animals in the USA. Numerous studies have been published on levofloxacin's pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and susceptibility in animals.