What type of antibiotic is Levofloxacin classified as?

Levofloxacin is classified as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. This classification is based on its mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes that are crucial for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair. Fluoroquinolones are known for their broad-spectrum activity against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, making them effective for various infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections.

In contrast, tetracyclines work by inhibiting protein synthesis, lincosamides also target protein synthesis but are typically effective against anaerobic bacteria and some Gram-positive organisms, and penicillins are beta-lactam antibiotics that disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis. Each of these other classes has distinct mechanisms, uses, and spectrums of activity, differentiating them from fluoroquinolones like levofloxacin.