Levoxin
Levofloxacin tablet

Presentation
Levoxin 250: Each film-coated tablet contains Levofloxacin Hemihydrate INN equivalent to Levofloxacin 250 mg.
Levoxin 500: Each film-coated tablet contains Levofloxacin Hemihydrate INN equivalent to Levofloxacin 500 mg.

Description
Levofloxacin is a synthetic, broad-spectrum, third generation fluoroquinolone derivative antibacterial agent for oral administration. Chemically levofloxacin is a chiral fluorinated carboxyquinolone.

Indications and Uses
Levofloxacin is indicated for the treatment of adults (³ 18 years of age) with mild, moderate, and severe infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the condition listed below:
Acute maxillary sinusitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.
Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.
Community-acquired pneumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Complicated urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Acute pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli.
Uncomplicated & complicated skin and soft tissue infections including abscesses, cellulitis, furuncles, impetigo, pyoderma, wound infections, due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus mirabilis or Enterococcus faecalis.

Dosage and Administration
Acute sinusitis, 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days
Exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, 250-500 mg daily for 7 days
Community-acquired pneumonia, 500 mg once or twice daily for 7-14 days
Complicated urinary-tract infections and acute pyelonephritis, 250 mg 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.

Contraindications
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, quinolone antimicrobial agents, or any other components of this product.

Precautions
The following measures should be taken during administration of levofloxacin:
While taking levofloxacin, adequate amount of water should be taken to avoid concentrated form of urine.
Dose adjustment should be exercised during levofloxacin ingestion in presence of renal insufficiency.

Side-effects
Levofloxacin is generally well tolerated. However, a few side effects can usually be seen. Side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence and rare occurrence of phototoxicity (0.1%). Side effects that may be seen very rarely include tremors, depression, anxiety, confusion etc.

Use in pregnancy & lactation
Levofloxacin is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown.

Use in children
Not recommended for children.

Drug interactions
Antacids, Iron and Adsorbents -reduce absorption of Levofloxacin.
NSAID - may increase the risk of CNS stimulation
Warfarin - may increase the risk of bleeding

Overdosage
Levofloxacin exhibits a low potential for acute toxicity. However, in the events of an acute overdosage, the stomach should be emptied. The patients should be kept under observation and appropriate hydration should be maintained.

Commercial Pack
Levoxin 250: Box contains 3 x 10's tablets in blister strip.
Levoxin 500: Box contains 2 x 10's tablets in blister strip.