Levoxin

Indications

Levoxin is prescribed for the management of mild to severe infections caused by susceptible strains of designated microorganisms in the following conditions:

• Acute Maxillary Sinusitis: Effective against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.
• Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: Treats infections from Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Targeting pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Addresses both uncomplicated and complicated infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
• Acute Pyelonephritis: Specifically for infections caused by Escherichia coli.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Treats uncomplicated and complicated infections, including abscesses, cellulitis, furuncles, impetigo, pyoderma, and wound infections from Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus mirabilis, or Enterococcus faecalis.
• Enteric Infections: Effective against Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter species, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella species, and Salmonella species.

Note: Please use this medication as directed by a registered healthcare professional.

Description

Levoxin is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the third generation of fluoroquinolone derivatives, designed for oral administration. Its chemical composition is that of a chiral fluorinated carboxyquinolone.

Pharmacology

Levofloxacin works as a broad-spectrum, third-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It inhibits the enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination, specifically targeting bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase. This mechanism gives it in vitro activity against a wide array of Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of Levofloxacin Tablets is typically 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg taken orally once every 24 hours. It can be taken without regard to meals. For Levofloxacin oral solution, take it one hour before or two hours after meals.

For intravenous administration, Levofloxacin should be delivered only through infusion. It is not to be given intramuscularly, intrathecally, intraperitoneally, or subcutaneously. The usual dosage for Levofloxacin injection is 250 mg or 500 mg infused slowly over 60 minutes every 24 hours, or 750 mg infused slowly over 90 minutes every 24 hours. Discard any unused portion of the injection, as it is for single use only. Do not add other medications to the Levofloxacin injection or administer them simultaneously through the same IV line.

Adult Dosage Guidelines:

• Acute Sinusitis: 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days, or 750 mg once daily for 5 days.
• Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: 500 mg once daily for 7 days (uncomplicated) or 750 mg once daily for 3-5 days (complicated).
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days, or 750 mg once daily for 5 days.
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: 250 mg once daily for 3 days.
• Complicated Urinary Tract Infections & Acute Pyelonephritis: 250 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
• Uncomplicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
• Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 750 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
• Enteric Fever: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
• Diarrhea, Cholera, Shigellosis & Enteritis: For mild to moderate cases, administer 500 mg as a single dose; for moderate to severe cases, give 500 mg once daily for 3 days.

Pediatric Dosage Guidelines:

• Children aged 6 months to <5 years: 10 mg/kg every 12 hours.
• Children >5 years: 10 mg/kg every 24 hours.

Sequential therapy (from intravenous to oral) may be initiated at the physician’s discretion.

Note: Please use this medication as directed by a registered healthcare professional.

Administration Instructions for Levofloxacin Infusion

• Inspect the container for leaks by squeezing the inner bag. Discard if leaks or an intact seal is not observed.
• Do not use if the solution appears cloudy or if precipitate is present.
• Avoid using flexible containers in series connections.
• Close the flow control clamp of the administration set.
• Remove the cover from the container’s port.
• Insert the piercing pin of the administration set into the port with a twisting motion until securely seated.
• Hang the container for infusion.
• Squeeze and release the drip chamber to establish the correct fluid level during infusion.
• Open the flow control clamp to expel air, then close it.
• Adjust the administration rate using the flow control clamp.

Note: Please use this medication as directed by a registered healthcare professional.

Interactions

Avoid co-administration of Levoxin with any intravenous solution containing multivalent cations (e.g., magnesium). Antacids, iron supplements, and adsorbents can diminish Levoxin absorption. The use of NSAIDs may heighten the risk of CNS stimulation, while Warfarin can increase bleeding risks.

Contraindications

Levofloxacin is contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, or any ingredient in this product.

Side Effects

Levoxin is generally well tolerated, although some side effects may occur. There is a risk of retinal detachment. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and rare instances of phototoxicity (0.1%). Very rare side effects can include tremors, depression, anxiety, and confusion.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The use of Levofloxacin during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended due to the unknown effects on the unborn child or nursing infant.

Precautions & Warnings

When administering Levoxin, consider the following precautions:

• Levoxin injection must be administered slowly via intravenous infusion over 60 or 90 minutes, based on the prescribed dosage.
• Ensure adequate hydration while taking Levoxin to avoid concentrated urine.
• Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal insufficiency.

Overdose Effects

Levoxin has a low potential for acute toxicity. In cases of overdose, it is advisable to empty the stomach, monitor the patient, and maintain proper hydration.

Therapeutic Class

Levoxin belongs to the class of 4-Quinolone preparations.

Storage Conditions

Store Levoxin below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.