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Levofloxacin, levo‐isomer of the D,L‐racemate ofloxacin, is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic approved for use in the United States in December 1996. It has an extended spectrum of activity compared with older‐generation fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), with improved activity against gram‐positive bacteria and excellent activity against gram‐negative bacteria and atypical organisms. Although its activity against anaerobic organisms is improved over that of earlier fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin should not be considered a first‐line anaerobic agent. It is available in an injectable form, as well as an oral formulation with virtually 100% oral bioavailability. The plasma elimination half‐life ranges from 6–8 hours in individuals with normal renal function. Approximately 80% of drug is eliminated unchanged in urine through glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. The pharmacokinetics are not appreciably …