Levofloxacin (levofloxacin)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone anti-infective agent.
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone anti-infective agent. Like other commercially available fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin contains a fluorine at the C-6 position of the quinolone nucleus. Levofloxacin is the levorotatory isomer of ofloxacin and is 8-128 times as active against susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as the dextrorotatory isomer of ofloxacin and twice as active as racemic ofloxacin.
Levofloxacin may be bactericidal in action at concentrations equal to or slightly greater than inhibitory concentrations. Like other fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin inhibits DNA synthesis in susceptible organisms via inhibition of type II DNA topoisomerases (DNA gyrase, topoisomerase IV).
Levofloxacin is active in vitro and in vivo in conjunctival infections against some aerobic gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, groups C, F, and G streptococci, viridans streptococci, and Corynebacterium, and some aerobic gram-negative bacteria, including Acinetobacter lwoffii, Haemophilus influenzae, and Serratia marcescens.
Cross-resistance can occur between levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones, but some bacteria resistant to other fluoroquinolones may be susceptible to levofloxacin.
For the topical treatment of conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria, levofloxacin is commercially available as an aqueous ophthalmic solution containing 5 mg of levofloxacin per mL. Levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution is isotonic (osmolality of 300 mOsm/kg), has a pH of approximately 6.5, and contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative.
Following topical application of levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution to the eye, the drug is absorbed systemically and low levofloxacin concentrations are attained in plasma. In a study in 15 healthy adults who received topical application of levofloxacin ophthalmic solution for 15 days, mean plasma concentrations of levofloxacin at 1 hour after dosing ranged from 0.86 ng/mL on day 1 to 2.05 ng/mL on day 15. Maximum mean plasma levofloxacin concentrations reported following topical application of 0.5% ophthalmic solution to the eye were more than 1000 times lower than plasma concentrations reported in patients receiving usually recommended dosages of oral levofloxacin.
USES: This medication is used to treat bacterial eye infections. Levofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
Generic name: levofloxacin
Pronunciation: (LEE-voe-FLOX-a-sin)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Levofloxacin
Indications
The following indications are listed for Levofloxacin:
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Also known as: Inflammation Of The Conjunctiva Due To Bacteria.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed using levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any component in the formulation.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects reported in 1-3% of patients treated with levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution include transient decrease in vision, transient ocular burning, ocular pain or discomfort, foreign body sensation, photophobia, headache, fever, and pharyngitis. Allergic reactions, lid edema, ocular dryness, and ocular itching occur in less than 1% of patients receiving levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy of levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution have not been established in children younger than 6 years of age.
Although systemic quinolones have been associated with arthropathy in immature animals, there is no evidence that administration of levofloxacin ophthalmic solution has any effect on weight bearing joints.
Category C. (See Users Guide.)
Data are not available regarding use of levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefits to the woman justify potential risks to the fetus.
In animal studies using oral levofloxacin, reduced fetal weight and increased fetal mortality were reported.
Since ofloxacin is distributed into human milk, levofloxacin (the levorotatory isomer of ofloxacin) is presumed to be distributed into human milk.
Caution is advised if levofloxacin ophthalmic solution is used in nursing women.
No overall differences in safety and efficacy of levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution have been observed between geriatric and younger adults.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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