Composition:
Each tablet contains:
Levofloxacin...............................250 and 500mg

Each vial 100ml contains:
Levofloxacin...............................500mg

Properties:
Levofloxacin is a synthetic broad spectrum antibacterial fluroquinolone which is levorotatory form of ofloxacin. Levofloxacin act on DNA gyrase. An enzyme required for DNA replication, repair and recombination.
Levofloxacin is bactericidal and has a wide antibacterial spectrum that covers many Gm negative and Gm positive and atypical bacteria and anaerobes.
There is no cross resistance between Levofloxacin and other groups of antibacterial agents .
The bioavailability reaches 100%, it penetrates well to different body tissues.
Levofloxacin has a duration of action of 24 hours and it is eliminated mainly via kidney.

Indications:
Treatment of bacterial infections due to Levofloxacin susceptible micro organisms.
► Sinusitis due H.influenza, pneumonia ,S.aureus, M.catarrhailis, E.coli, H.parainfluenzae and k pneumonia.
► Community Acquired pneumonia: due to H.influenza, S.aureus, M.catarrhails, K.pneumonia, E.coli, Mycoplasma, chlamydia and legionella pneumphila.
► Complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis due to :E.coli, K.pneumoniae, S.faecalis, P.mirabilis,Enterobacter cloacae, p.aerugnosa.
► Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections : due to S.pyogenes, P.mirabilis, P.aeroginosa, E.coli,K.pneumoniae,S.fecalis.
► Complicated skin and skin structure: due to S.pyogenes, P.mirabilis, E.coli, S.fecalis, E.colacae.
► Intra-abdominal infections: due to E.coli and anaerobic micro organisms.

Contra-indications:
Hypersensitivity to quinolones, epilepsy, children or adolescents, pregnancy and lactation.

Precautions:
► Levofloxacin may alter reactivity such as driving or operate machinery may be impaired.
► Although photo sensation is rare exposure to strong sunlight or U.V is not recommended.
► False negative results in diagnosis of T.B due to inhibition of growth of mycobacterium tuberculosis by Levofloxacin.

Drug interactions:
Levofloxacin should not be used in association with iron salts, antacids, sucralfate and theophylline.

Dosage and administration:
Orally...................500 mg daily (one tablet 500 mg once or one tablet 250 mg twice daily).
I.V. Infusion......... (500mg / daily).
I.V. solution for infusion should be infused slowly over a period of not less than 60 minutes for a dosage of 500 mg.
N.B:
I.V infusion compatible with:
0.9% Sodium chloride solution.
5%dextrose.
2.5%dextrose in Ringer solution.

In patients with renal function impairment (creatinine clearance <50ml/min) half the dose is given.

Adverse reactions:

Storage:
Keep at temp. not exceeding 30°C
Keep out of reach of children.

Packing: Box of 5 tablets.
Box of 100 ml vial.

Related links:

Respiratory tract Infections-PowerPoint (By Prof.Dr.Mohamed Awad Tag El Din)
Pneumonia& Venaxan
Quinolones history