Introduction
Levoxin 750 is an antibiotic, used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used in treating infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia). It cures the infection by stopping the further growth of the causative microorganisms.
Levoxin 750 should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid skipping any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose as planned.
You may have a headache, dizziness, nausea, and constipation as side effects of this medicine. These are usually temporary and resolves on its own, but please consult your doctor if it bothers you or persists for a longer duration. Diarrhea may also occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Special care should be taken in people with kidney problems while taking this medicine.
Side effects of Levoxin 750
Common
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
How to use Levoxin 750
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Levoxin 750 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Avoid Levoxin 750 with dairy products such as milk, cheese, curd, butter, paneer and ice cream.
How Levoxin 750 works
Levoxin 750 is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby killing them.
What if you forget to take Levoxin 750?
If you miss a dose of Levoxin 750, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Chronic bronchitis, Acute bacterial sinusitis, Anthrax, Community-acquired pneumonia, Skin and skin structure infections, Nosocomial pneumonia, Urinary tract infections, Complicated skin and skin structure infections, Acute pyelonephritis, Chronic bacterial prostatitis
Administration
Oral soln: Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals. Ensure adequate fluid intake.
Tab: May be taken with or without food. Ensure adequate fluid intake.
IV Preparation
Single-use vials: Dilute in 50-100 mL D5W or NS or D5/NS solution for injection to 5 mg/mL; alternative solutions include sodium lactate, Plasma-Lyte, D5/lactated Ringer, D5/NS and potassium chloride
IV Administration
Give by IV infusion only, not bolus; rapid or bolus administration has been associated with hypotension and must be avoided
Infuse 250-500 mg over 60 minutes or 750 mg over 90 minutes
Adult Dose
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
500 mg PO/IV once daily for 7-14 days or 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 5 days
Nosocomial Pneumonia
750 mg PO/IV once daily for 7-14 days
Acute Bacterial Sinusitis
500 mg PO/IV once daily for 10-14 days or 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 5 days
Limitations-of-use: Reserve fluoroquinolones for patients who do not have other available treatment options for acute sinusitis
Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
500 mg PO/IV once daily for 7 days
Limitations-of-use: Reserve fluoroquinolones for patients who do not have other available treatment options for acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
Inhalational Anthrax
Postexposure therapy
500 mg PO once daily for 60 days, beginning as soon as possible after exposure
Skin/Skin Structure Infections
Uncomplicated: 500 mg PO/IV once daily for 7-10 days
Complicated: 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 7-14 days
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
500 mg PO/IV once daily for 28 days
Complicated Urinary Tract Infections & Acute Pyelonephritis
250 mg PO/IV once daily for 10 days or 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 5 days
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
250 mg PO/IV once daily for 3 days
Limitations-of-use: Reserve fluoroquinolones for patients who do not have other available treatment options for uncomplicated urinary tract infections
Plague
Indicated for treatment and prophylaxis of plague, including pneumonic and septicemic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis in adults and pediatric patients, aged 6 months or older
500 mg PO/IV once daily for 10-14 days
Child Dose
Children
PO, IV 16 mg/kg/day div q12h up to 50 kg body weight, then
500 mg qd for postexposure anthrax prophylaxis q12h
For respiratory infections:
<5 y: 20 mg/kg/day q12h
>5 y: 10 mg/kg/day q24h
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Haemodialysis/CAPD: Initially, 500 mg daily, then 250 mg every 48 hr. Alternatively: Initially, 750 mg daily, then 500 mg every 48 hr.
CrCl (ml/min)
20-49 Initially, 500 mg daily, then 250 mg every 24 hr. Alternatively: Initially, 750 mg daily, then 750 mg every 48 hr.
10-19 Initially, 500 mg daily, then 250 mg every 48 hr. Alternatively: Initially, 750 mg daily, then 500 mg every 48 hr.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones. Child <18 yr.
Mode of Action
Levofloxacin exerts antibacterial action by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, the enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription repair and recombination. It has in vitro activity against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms.
Precaution
Known or suspected CNS disorders (e.g. severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, epilepsy) or other risk factors that predispose to seizures. Avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light. History of prolonged QT interval, uncorrected electrolyte disturbances. DM (carefully monitor blood glucose levels). Periodically monitor renal, hepatic and haematopoietic functions during treatment. Pregnancy and lactation. Elderly. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lactation: Drug excreted in breast milk; not recommended
Side Effect
1-10%
Nausea (7%),Headache (6%),Diarrhea (5%),Insomnia (4%),Constipation (3%),Dizziness (3%),Dyspepsia (2%),Rash (2%),Vomiting (2%),Chest pain (1%),Dyspnea (1%),Edema (1%),Fatigue (1%),Injection-site reaction (1%),Moniliasis (1%),Pain (1%),Pruritus (1%),Vaginitis (1%)
<1%
Cardiac: Cardiac arrest, palpitation, ventricular tachycardia, arrhythmia
Nervous system: Tremor, convulsions, paresthesia, vertigo, hypertonia, hyperkinesias, abnormal gait, somnolence, syncope
Metabolic: Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia
Blood/lymphatic system: Anemia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia
Musculoskeletal/connective tissue: Arthralgia, tendonitis, myalgia, skeletal pain
Gastrointestinal (GI): Gastritis, stomatitis, pancreatitis, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, glossitis, pseudomembranous/C difficile colitis
Hepatobiliary: Abnormal hepatic function, increased hepatic enzymes, increased alkaline phosphatase
Psychiatric: Anxiety, agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations, nightmares, sleep disorder, anorexia, abnormal dreaming
Other: Immune hypersensitivity reaction, acute renal failure, urticaria, phlebitis, epistaxis
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis.
Interaction
Additive effects on QT interval prolongation w/ class IA (e.g. quinidine, procainamide) or class III (amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmics, fluoxetine or imipramine. Reduced absorption w/ sucralfate, didanosine, antacids containing Mg or Al, dietary supplements containing Zn, Ca, Mg or Fe. Altered glucose levels w/ antidiabetic agents (e.g. insulin, glibenclamide). Increased risk of severe tendon disorders w/ corticosteroids. Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures w/ NSAIDs. Increased prothrombin time w/ warfarin.