Levofloxacine Eg (Levofloxacin)

Levofloxacin is a broad‑spectrum antibacterial used for infections of the respiratory, urinary and skin systems.

• Community‑acquired pneumonia: eradicates the causative bacteria and improves lung function.
• Acute bacterial sinusitis: reduces sinus inflammation and clears infection.
• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: controls bacterial overgrowth and eases breathing difficulty.
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: eliminates uropathogens and relieves urinary symptoms.
• Skin and soft‑tissue infections: treats bacterial cellulitis and related dermal conditions.

• Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for DNA replication and transcription. By blocking these targets, it prevents bacterial cell division and leads to bacterial cell death, providing a bactericidal effect against susceptible Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative organisms.

Levofloxacin may cause a range of adverse reactions, 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.
• Insomnia: difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Rash: mild skin erythema.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Tendon rupture: sudden pain and loss of function, especially in the Achilles.
• QT interval prolongation: risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
• Clostridioides difficile infection: severe colitis with watery diarrhea.
• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, angioedema, or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatic toxicity: elevated liver enzymes or jaundice.
• Peripheral neuropathy: numbness or tingling in extremities.

Levofloxacin requires careful clinical assessment before use.

• Assess renal function: dose adjustment may be needed in impaired kidneys.
• Monitor for tendon pain: discontinue if signs of rupture appear.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones.
• Use caution in individuals with QT‑prolonging conditions or concurrent QT‑prolonging drugs.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect 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.
• Systemic corticosteroids: heightened risk of tendon rupture.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: may increase central nervous system stimulation.
• Theophylline: levofloxacin can raise plasma theophylline levels.
• Cyclosporine: potential increase in cyclosporine concentrations.