Levofloxacin Accord-Uk (Levofloxacin Hemihydrate)

Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial, is indicated for several common bacterial infection pathways.

• Community‑acquired respiratory tract infections: eradicates the causative bacteria and improves respiratory symptoms.
• Urinary tract infections: clears uropathogens and resolves dysuria and frequency.
• Skin and soft‑tissue infections: eliminates skin‑resident bacteria, promoting wound healing.
• Acute bacterial prostatitis: penetrates prostatic tissue to treat infection and reduce inflammation.

• Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for DNA supercoiling and replication. By binding to these targets, it prevents DNA synthesis and transcription, leading to bacterial cell death. The drug exhibits concentration‑dependent bactericidal activity against a broad spectrum of Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative organisms.

Levofloxacin may cause a variety of adverse reactions, ranging from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Diarrhea: loose stools, often self‑limiting.
• Headache: transient cranial discomfort.
• Dizziness: occasional vertigo or light‑headedness.
• Rash: mild skin erythema.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Tendon rupture: sudden pain or swelling, especially in the Achilles.
• QT prolongation: cardiac rhythm disturbances that may cause palpitations.
• Severe hypersensitivity: anaphylaxis, angioedema, or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Central nervous system effects: seizures or hallucinations.
• Clostridioides difficile colitis: severe diarrhea with abdominal pain.

Before prescribing Levofloxacin, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Assess renal function: dose adjustment may be required in impaired clearance.
• Review cardiac history: avoid in patients with known QT prolongation.
• Evaluate tendon health: discontinue if tendon pain or swelling occurs.
• Monitor for hypersensitivity: discontinue at first sign of severe allergic reaction.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Levofloxacin can alter the activity of several co‑administered medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: markedly reduce levofloxacin absorption.
• Warfarin: may increase anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk.
• Theophylline: can raise serum theophylline concentrations, leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen): may increase risk of central nervous system stimulation.
• Cyclosporine: potential for increased nephrotoxicity.
• Oral contraceptives: efficacy may be reduced; advise alternative contraception.