Levocos

Indications

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sinus infections, flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, urinary tract and kidney infections, prostate infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Doctors may also use it for some types of tuberculosis and for anthrax or plague exposure. Eye drops are used for bacterial eye infections. It does not work for colds, flu or other viral infections.

How It Works

Levofloxacin blocks two enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that bacteria need to copy their genetic material. This stops the bacteria from multiplying and kills them.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: usually 250 mg, 500 mg or 750 mg once a day for 5 to 14 days, depending on the infection, as prescribed. Take it at the same time each day with a full glass of water, with or without food, and finish the full course. People with kidney problems need a lower dose. Tuberculosis, injections and eye drops: as prescribed. Not usually given to children and teenagers who are still growing.

Interactions

Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, Sucralfate, and supplements containing iron, zinc or calcium reduce absorption; take them at least 2 hours before or after Levofloxacin. It can increase the effect of Warfarin. Taking it with NSAID painkillers may raise the risk of fits. Avoid other medicines that affect heart rhythm (for example Amiodarone, Sotalol, some antipsychotics and Macrolide antibiotics). It can cause high or low blood sugar in people taking Insulin or diabetes tablets. Corticosteroids increase the risk of tendon damage.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Levofloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotic.
• Past tendon problems caused by a quinolone antibiotic.
• Epilepsy.
• Children and growing teenagers.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness and trouble sleeping. Less common: stomach pain, rash, itching and feeling restless or anxious.

Stop taking it and get urgent medical help if you have:

• Pain, swelling or a snapping feeling in a tendon, especially the back of the ankle.
• Numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness in the hands or feet.
• Swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or a severe rash.
• A fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
• Sudden severe pain in the chest, stomach or back.
• Severe or bloody diarrhoea.
• Confusion, fits, severe mood changes or thoughts of harming yourself.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, because it may affect the growing joints of the baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding so a safer antibiotic can be chosen.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with care in people over 60, people taking corticosteroids, and people with kidney disease, diabetes, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disease), heart rhythm problems or a history of aortic aneurysm (a bulge in the main blood vessel). Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds, as the skin may burn easily. It can cause dizziness, so do not drive until you know how it affects you. Use only when a doctor prescribes it.

Overdose

Too much may cause dizziness, confusion, fits, vomiting and heart rhythm problems. Seek medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.