Levofloxacin, Inf/Oral

Quinolone · Quinolone

Indications

Infections caused by pathogens sensitive to levofloxacin. See below under dosage.

Dosage

Lower Respiratory Infection: Adults: 500 mg orally or IV once daily for 7-14 days or 750 mg orally or IV once daily for 5 days. Children: Not recommended. Nosocomial Pneumonia: Adults: 750 mg orally or IV once daily for 7-14 days. Children: Not recommended. Upper Respiratory Infection: Sinusitis: Adults: 500 mg orally or IV once daily for 10-14 days or 750 mg orally or IV once daily for 5 days. Children: Not recommended. Skin Infection: Adults: Uncomplicated: 500 mg orally or IV once daily for 7-10 days. Complicated: 750 mg orally or IV once daily for 7-14 days. Children: Not recommended. Urinary Tract Infection: Adults: Complicated UTI/Acute Pyelonephritis: 250 mg orally or IV once daily for 10 days. Uncomplicated UTI: 250 mg orally or IV once daily for 3 days. Children: Not recommended. Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: 500 mg orally or IV once daily for 28 days. Children: Not…

Administration

IV: Infuse IV solution over 60 min. Too rapid infusion can lead to hypotension. Avoid administration through an intravenous line with a solution containing multivalent cations (i.e., magnesium, calcium). Compatibility: Stable in D5LR, D5NS, D5W, NS; incompatible with mannitol 20%, sodium bicarbonate 5%. Y-site administration: Drug to Drug IV Compatibility: Amikacin, aztreonam, bumetanide, calcium gluconate, cefepime, ceftriaxone, cimetidine, dexamethasone, diltiazem, diphenhydramine, dobutamine, dopamine, enalapril, epinephrine, esmolol, famotidine, fentanyl, fluconazole, gentamicin, hydrocortisone, hydromorphone, imipenem, labetalol, linezolid, magnesium sulphate, methylprednisolone, metoclopramide, metronidazole, midazolam, morphine, ondansetron, phenylephrine, tobramycin, vancomycin. Drug to Drug IV Incompatibility: Acyclovir, alprostadil, amiodarone, azithromycin, cephazolin,…

Adverse Effects

GI upset, raised liver enzymes, tendon disorders (discontinue), insomnia, headache, dizziness, anorexia, dysgeusia, dyspnoea, arthralgia, myalgia, tinnitus, asthenia, pyrexia, reports of visual disturbances, hepatic injury, severe skin disorders, peripheral neuropathy (discontinue).

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or ofloxacin, tendon disorders, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, MRSA. Precautions: Renal impairment, G6PD deficiency, porphyria. Risk of pseudomembranous colitis; consider if patient has persistent diarrhoea (discontinue). Avoid strong UV light. Caution in patients with psychosis or a history of psychiatric disease. Risk of seizures. Risk of tendinitis and hepatic necrosis. Diabetes, QT prolongation.

Interactions

Iron, antacids, sucralfate, NSAIDs, fenbufen, probenecid, cimetidine, corticosteroids, vit K antagonists, drugs that prolong QT interval or lower seizure threshold, cyclosporin, theophylline.

Advice to Patient

Take tablet/capsule with or without meals. Take oral solution 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take atleast 3 hours before or 2 hours after antacids or products containing calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc. Inform prescriber and discontinue medication if there are signs of inflammation or tendon pain or if there is rash, itching, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, facial edema, palpitations, tingling or chest pain. Contact prescriber if there is severe persistent diarrhoea or constipation, unusual chills or fever, vaginal itching, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, easy bruising or bleeding. Complete full course of therapy even if you feel better. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. If you have diabetes, check blood glucose level regularly and inform prescriber about changes. Avoid direct sunlight, wear…

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid and complete. Metabolism: Minimally hepatic. Bioavailability: Approx. 99%. Half-life elimination: Infants =6 mth and Children =5 yrs: Approx. 4 hrs. Children 5-10 yrs: 4.8 hrs. 10-12 yrs: 5.4 hrs. 12-16 yrs: 6 hrs. Adults: Approx. 6-8 hrs. Adults, renal impairment: 27 ± 10 hrs (CrCl 20-49 mL/min); 35 ± 5 hrs (CrCl <20 mL/min). Time to peak, serum: Oral: 1-2 hrs. Excretion: Urine (>87%). Faeces (<4%).

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.