PHARMACOKINETICS :
Levofloxacin is rapidly and almost completely absorbed following oral use with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 1 hour of a dose. It is distributed into body tissues including the bronchial mucosa and lungs, but penetration into CFS is relatively poor. Levofloxacin is approximately 30 to 40% bound to plasma proteins.
It is only metabolised to a small degree to inactive metabolites. The elimination half-life of levofloxacin is 6 to 8 hours, although this may be prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Levofloxacin is excreted largely unchanged, primarily in the urine. It is not removed by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
INDICATIONS :
Levofloxacin is indicated for the treatment of susceptible infections such as biliary tract infections, infected bites and stings, bone and joints infections, brucellosis, gastroenteritis, gonorrhea, meningitis, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and urinary tract infections.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION :
It is given by mouth for the treatment of susceptible infections in a usual dose of 250 or 500 mg once or twice daily. Or as prescribed by the physician.
PRECAUTIONS :
Levofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy or a history of CNS disorders .Levofloxacin and related fluoroquinolones have been shown to cause degenerative changes in weight-bearing joints of young animals, and should not be used in children, adolescents, pregnant women, or breast-feeding mothers. It should be avoided in methicillin-resistant Stapylococcus aureus infections because of the high level of resistance. Care is necessary in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or myasthenia gravis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS :
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in persons with a history of hypersensitivity of levofloxacin, quinolone anti-microbial agents, or any other components of this product.
ADVERSE EFFECTS :
The most commonly side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia and are the most frequent adverse effects. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported rarely.
Headache, dizziness and restlessness are among the commonest effects on the CNS. Othersinclude tremor, drowsiness, insomnia, nightmares, and, more rarely, hallucinations, psychotic reactions, depression, and convulsions. Paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy have occurred occasionally.
AVAILABILITY :
Levofloxacin (Terlev TM) 500 mg Blister pack 10 x 5’s (Box of 50’s)
CAUTION :
Foods, Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Act prohibits dispensing without prescription.
STORE AT TEMPERATURES NOT EXCEEDING 30° C.
Terlev is a trademark of XENO Pharmaceuticals Phils. Inc.
|
