Levofloxacin

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Brand Name :

Levonil 500mg Tablet , Leefox 500mg Tablet ... show more

Approved Treatment Indication :

Bacterial Skin Diseases, Bacterial Pneumonia ... show more

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Summary

What conditions is Levofloxacin used for?
Levofloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, bronchitis), urinary tract infections, skin infections, sinus infections, prostatitis, and certain types of diarrhea caused by bacteria.
How does Levofloxacin work in the body?
Levofloxacin works by blocking two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are crucial for bacterial DNA replication and repair. This prevents the bacteria from replicating and repairing their DNA, leading to bacterial cell death.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Levofloxacin?
The usual dose of Levofloxacin ranges from 250 mg to 750 mg once daily, depending on the infection being treated. It is taken orally, swallowed whole with water, with or without food.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Levofloxacin?
Common side effects of Levofloxacin include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and insomnia. More serious but rare side effects may include tendon rupture, abnormal heart rhythms, severe allergic reactions, and liver toxicity.
What are important safety warnings and contraindications for Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin can cause serious problems like painful tendons, nerve damage, or worsening of a muscle weakness condition. It should be avoided if you've had tendon problems before. It's also important to monitor blood sugar levels if you're on diabetes medicine, and avoid combining it with certain other medicines and supplements.

Approvals

US(FDA), UK(BNF)

Essential Medicine

YES

Teratogenicity

Unlisted

Pharmaceutical Class

Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial

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Drug Ingredient

Levofloxacin

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Summary

What conditions is Levofloxacin used for?
Levofloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, bronchitis), urinary tract infections, skin infections, sinus infections, prostatitis, and certain types of diarrhea caused by bacteria.
How does Levofloxacin work in the body?
Levofloxacin works by blocking two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are crucial for bacterial DNA replication and repair. This prevents the bacteria from replicating and repairing their DNA, leading to bacterial cell death.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Levofloxacin?
The usual dose of Levofloxacin ranges from 250 mg to 750 mg once daily, depending on the infection being treated. It is taken orally, swallowed whole with water, with or without food.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Levofloxacin?
Common side effects of Levofloxacin include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and insomnia. More serious but rare side effects may include tendon rupture, abnormal heart rhythms, severe allergic reactions, and liver toxicity.
What are important safety warnings and contraindications for Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin can cause serious problems like painful tendons, nerve damage, or worsening of a muscle weakness condition. It should be avoided if you've had tendon problems before. It's also important to monitor blood sugar levels if you're on diabetes medicine, and avoid combining it with certain other medicines and supplements.

Indications and Purpose

What is Levofloxacin used for?

Levofloxacin treats bacterial infections such as:

Respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Skin infections
Sinus infections
Prostatitis
Certain types of diarrhea caused by bacteria

How does Levofloxacin work?

Levofloxacin works by inhibiting two bacterial enzymes: DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are crucial for bacterial DNA replication and repair. By blocking these enzymes, Levofloxacin prevents the bacteria from replicating and repairing their DNA, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. This action makes Levofloxacin effective against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Is Levofloxacin effective?

Yes, Levofloxacin is highly effective against many bacterial infections when taken as prescribed.

How does one know if Levofloxacin is working?

Improvement in symptoms such as reduced fever, less pain, and better energy levels suggests Levofloxacin is working. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Directions for Use

What is the usual dose of Levofloxacin?

The usual dose depends on the infection being treated, typically ranging from 250 mg to 750 mg once daily, for a duration specified by your healthcare provider.

How do I take Levofloxacin?

Take Levofloxacin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food. Avoid taking it with dairy products or calcium-fortified drinks as they may reduce its effectiveness.

For how long do I take Levofloxacin?

The duration depends on the condition being treated. It can range from 3 days to several weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions and complete the full course of treatment.

How long does it take for Levofloxacin to start working?

Levofloxacin typically starts working within a few hours to reduce bacterial growth, but noticeable symptom improvement can take 1-3 days depending on the infection.

How should I store Levofloxacin?

Store Levofloxacin at room temperature (68°F–77°F or 20°C–25°C), away from heat, moisture, and light

Warnings and Precautions

Who should avoid taking Levofloxacin?

Levofloxacin is a strong antibiotic, but it can cause serious problems like painful tendons (tendinitis), torn tendons, nerve damage (in your arms and legs or brain), and worsening of a muscle weakness condition (myasthenia gravis). If you experience any of these, stop taking the medicine right away and don't take it again. If you've had tendon problems before, you shouldn't take this antibiotic.

Can I take Levofloxacin with other prescription drugs?

Levofloxacin is a medicine that can have strong effects when taken with other medications. If you're taking it, you need to be extra careful. Taking it with blood thinners like warfarin increases bleeding chances, so your doctor will need to check your blood often. It can also affect blood sugar levels if you're on diabetes medicine, so careful monitoring is needed. Combining it with pain relievers like ibuprofen (NSAIDs) raises the risk of seizures. Finally, avoid taking it near antacids, sucralfate, or certain vitamins because they can stop it from working properly. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking.

Can I take Levofloxacin with vitamins or supplements?

Levofloxacin can interact with vitamins and supplements containing calcium, magnesium, iron, or zinc, as these can reduce the absorption of the medication, making it less effective. It is recommended to avoid taking these supplements within 2 hours before or after taking Levofloxacin. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining Levofloxacin with any vitamins or supplements to ensure proper efficacy.

Can Levofloxacin be taken safely while pregnant?

Levofloxacin is generally avoided during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult your doctor for guidance.

Can Levofloxacin be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Levofloxacin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. Discuss with your doctor before use.

Is Levofloxacin safe for the elderly?

Levofloxacin is generally safe for elderly patients but should be used cautiously, as they are at higher risk of tendon injury and kidney-related side effects.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Levofloxacin?

Avoid intense exercise, as Levofloxacin increases the risk of tendon injuries. Consult your doctor about safe physical activity levels.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Levofloxacin?

Avoid alcohol, as it may worsen side effects like dizziness or nausea.