RxTrials Institute Drug Pipeline Alert

The FDA has approved Ortho-McNeil’s antibiotic Levaquin to treat pediatric patients exposed to inhaled anthrax.

Levaquin (levofloxacin) tablets in 250-mg, 500-mg and 750-mg strengths, as well as 5-mg injection and 25-mg oral solution, are approved for this indication in patients older than 6 months, the FDA said. The drug previously was approved to treat adults after exposure to inhaled anthrax.
 
The drug is approved to treat multiple bacterial infections. It previously had been approved as a treatment for mild-to-moderate forms of complicated urinary tract and kidney infections without a specified dosing time frame.