Levofloxacina Generis Phar (Levofloxacin)

Levofloxacin is a broad‑spectrum fluoroquinolone used to treat bacterial infections affecting several organ systems.

• Respiratory tract infection: eradicates the causative bacteria and improves breathing symptoms.
• Urinary tract infection: clears urinary pathogens and resolves dysuria and frequency.
• Skin and soft tissue infection: eliminates skin‑resident bacteria and promotes wound healing.
• Sinusitis: reduces sinus inflammation by targeting the infecting organisms.
• Pharyngitis: treats bacterial throat infection and alleviates sore throat.

• Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for DNA replication, transcription, and repair. By stabilizing the enzyme–DNA complex, it prevents the resealing of DNA breaks, leading to bacterial cell death and a bactericidal effect against susceptible organisms.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
• Diarrhea: loose stools, sometimes watery.
• Headache: transient cranial discomfort.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness.
• Insomnia: difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Photosensitivity: increased skin reaction to sunlight.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Tendon rupture: sudden pain and loss of function, especially in the Achilles tendon.
• QT interval prolongation: potential cardiac arrhythmias.
• Severe allergic reactions: rash, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
• Clostridioides difficile infection: severe colitis with watery diarrhea.
• Peripheral neuropathy: tingling or numbness in extremities.
• Hepatotoxicity: abnormal liver function tests or jaundice.

Levofloxacin should be used with caution in specific clinical situations.

• Assess renal function: dose adjustment may be required in impaired kidneys.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reactions occur.
• Monitor for tendon pain: stop the drug if tendon inflammation develops.
• Use cautiously in patients with QT‑prolonging conditions: obtain ECG if risk is high.
• Separate from antacids or supplements containing aluminum, magnesium, calcium, or iron: administer at least 2 hours apart.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture.

Levofloxacin can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: reduce levofloxacin absorption.
• Warfarin: may increase INR and bleeding risk.
• Theophylline: heightened risk of toxicity and seizures.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Other fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin): additive QT‑prolongation.
• NSAIDs: increased chance of central nervous system effects.
• Cyclosporine: elevated cyclosporine concentrations.