LEVOFLOXACIN

INTRODUCTION
• Levofloxacinis a Antibacterial medication, used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
• This medication belong to a class of drugs known as ‘FLUROQUINOLONES’.
• It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
• It is used to treat a number of bacterial infections including acute bacterial sinusitis,
pneumonia: Nosocomial and Community acquired, H. pylori, urinary tract infections and
some types of gastroenteritis, Inhalational anthrax(post exposure) and plague in adults
and pediatric patients.
CLASSIFICTION
• Belongs to a class of Fluroquinolones
• The classification of Fluroquinolones are;
⮚ 1st gen fluroquinolones
- Norfloxacin
- Ciprofloxacin
⮚ 2nd gen fluroquinolones
- Levofloxacin
- Lomefloxacin
GENERIC AND TRADE NAME
GENERIC NAME TRADE NAME
• Levofloxacin • Levaquin
• Levoflox
• Alevo
• Levobact
•
MECHANISM OF ACTION
• Bactericidal against susceptible organisms.
- It interferes with bacterial DNA synthesis by inhibiting two important bacterial
enzymes:
1. Topoisomerase II:
- Topoisomerase II ( DNA Gyrase ) is responsible for relaxing supercoiled DNA
during normal transcription.
2. Topoisomerase IV:
- Topoisomerase IV interferes with separation of chromosomal DNA during cell
division.
AVAILABLE FORMS
• Levofloxacin is available in Tablets, IV Injections, Oral solutions and Eye drops.
1. Tablets :- 250, 500 and 750mg .
2. IV Injection (vial) :- 25mg/mL
3. Oral solution :- 25mg/mL
4. Eye drops :- 0.5% (5mL)
DOSAGE
• The dosage of this medication is varied in the patients of creatinine clearance level greater
or equal to 50mL/ minute and creatine clearance level less than 50mL/ minute( Renal
impairment patients) .
⮚ In Adults
-the maximum dose is 750mg in divided doses for 24 hours and the minimum dose
250mg.

⮚ In pediatrics
- for inhalational anthrax(post exposure) :- 250mg every 24 hrs for 60 days.
- for plague :- 250mg every 12 hrs for 10-14 days.
INDICATIONS
1. Sinusitis 2. Bronchitis 3. Pneumonia

4. Complicated/ 5. UTI, Chronic prostatitis 6. Typhoid

uncomplicated skin infections and pyelonephritis
CONT…
7. Inhalational Anthrax(post exposure) 8. Plague
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1. Pregnant women
2. Patients receiving some of the drugs like Mefloquine, Erythromycin and
antiarrhythmic drugs.
3. Renal impairment
4. Hypersensitivity reaction.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Hypersensitivity
2. Levofloxacin may cause diarrhoea.
3. It may cause serious Liver problems.
4. Let the doctor know if the patient is having symptoms like numbness
or tingling of hands and feet.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
1. Non- Steroidal Anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID)

2. Antidiabetic agents
ADVERSE EFFECTS
• Can develop sensitivity of the skin to direct sunlight ( photosensitivity ).
• It worsens the low blood glucose levels.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• Nervous system effects :- like headache and dizziness.
• Liver dysfunction.
• Gastrointestinal disorder :- Nausea, Vomiting, abdominal discomfort and
diarrhoea may be seen.
• Psychiatric disorders :- Insomnia
• Integumentary disorders :- rash, pruritis
NURSINGIMPLICATIONS

A. Before administration/ Assessment

B. During administration/ Implementation
C. After administration/ Evaluation