Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic available for oral or intravenous administration. Levofloxacin is the optically active L-isomer of ofloxacin. It has a slightly longer half-life than ofloxacin and can be administered once-daily. Levofloxacin is more active than ofloxacin against staphylococci and streptococci. Levofloxacin is FDA approved for the treatment of sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, skin and skin structure infections, complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis. It tablets and injection were FDA approved for the treatment these infections on 12/20/96. It inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase, a type II topoisomerase. Topoisomerases alter DNA by introducing superhelical twists into double-stranded DNA and by facilitating unwinding of DNA strands
Primary Characteristics
It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Piperazine.
It belongs to DNA Gyrase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antibiotics pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 361.4 · Solubility in Water: null · Solubility in Alcohol: null · Non-proprietary name: Levofloxacin.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Levofloxacin has an oral bioavailability is 99% (±10%).
Distribution: Levofloxacin has a volume of distribution is 1.36l/kg. plasma protein binding is 30-40%.
Elimination: plasma half-life is 6 - 8 hr, renal excretion is > 85%.
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Indications
Levofloxacin is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute pyelonephritis/prostatitis, Bronchiolitis, Bronchitis, Complicated UTIS, Folliculitis, Nephrogenic and partial pituitary diabetes insipidus, Oedema, Otitis externa, Pneumonia, Pyelonephritis, Respiratory tract infections, Short-term treatment of severe congestive heart failure, Skin and soft tissue infections.
Contraindications
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Dosage
Levofloxacin's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 500 mg | 500 mg | Every 12h | IV | |
| 250 – 500 mg | — | Every 12h | PO | |
| 5 % | 5 % | — | Topical (eye drop) | |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | Not recommende for this age group | |
| 10 mg/kg | 10 mg/kg | — | ||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Levofloxacin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Stevens johnson syndrome , Epidermal necrolysis , Stevens johnson syndrome , Epidermal necrolysis , Tendon rupture, QT prolongation.
Levofloxacin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anaphylaxis . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Levofloxacin are QT prolongation.
Levofloxacin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Anxiety, Chest pain, Confusion, Constipation , Depression, Diarrhea, dizziness, dyspepsia, Flatulence, Hallucination , Hypoglycemia, Nightmares, Pruritus , Restlessness, Vaginitis.
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Levofloxacin may interfere in the diagnosis of Elevation in BUN, False-positive urine screening results, False-positive urine screening results, elevated creatinine.
Available Brands
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Single Ingredient
Multi-Ingredient Combinations
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.6.2.2.2 — Quinolones
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Levofloxacin in Pakistan: