Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. While it is effective against many common bacterial infections, it does not cover atypicals like Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Chlamydia pneumoniae, or Legionella pneumophila.
Does Levofloxacin Cover Atypicals?
The answer to this question is no. Levofloxacin does not cover atypicals, such as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Chlamydia pneumoniae, or Legionella pneumophila. These bacteria are often found in water sources, such as hot tubs, and can cause a variety of respiratory infections. Treatment with antibiotics, such as levofloxacin, is not likely to be effective against these bacteria.
Alternatives to Levofloxacin for Atypicals
For the treatment of atypicals, such as MAC, Chlamydia pneumoniae, or Legionella pneumophila, other antibiotics may be more effective. These include macrolides (such as erythromycin), cephalosporins (such as cefotaxime), and tetracyclines (such as doxycycline). Additionally, some antifungal medications may be used to treat MAC infections. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about which antibiotic is best for your specific infection.