Medicine Information

Levobac

Name: Levobac
Brand: Levobac
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet500 mgFluoroquinolone AntibioticATC: J01MA12

Generic Name

Levofloxacin

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
levobac 500 mg tablet	৳ 15.04	৳ 60.17

Description

Overview of the medicine

Levofloxacin is a synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial agent of the fluoroquinolone class, active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is used to treat various bacterial infections.

Uses & Indications

Acute bacterial sinusitis

Community-acquired pneumonia

Complicated skin and skin structure infections

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections

Acute pyelonephritis

Anthrax (post-exposure prophylaxis)

Dosage

Adults

Typically 500 mg once daily for 7 to 14 days, depending on the type and severity of infection. For certain infections, 750 mg once daily.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment solely based on age; adjust for renal function if impaired.

Renal_impairment

Dose adjustment required for creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min. Consult physician for specific recommendations.

How to Take

Administer orally, with or without food. Ensure adequate hydration. Do not take with antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, iron supplements, zinc supplements, or sucralfate within 2 hours of taking levofloxacin.

Mechanism of Action

Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination, leading to bacterial cell death.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Varies by infection site, generally within hours to days of initiating therapy.

Excretion

Primarily excreted unchanged in urine, mainly via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.

Half life

Approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly and almost completely absorbed orally. Peak plasma concentration reached within 1-2 hours. Oral bioavailability is approximately 99%.

Metabolism

Minimally metabolized in the liver (less than 5% of a dose).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other fluoroquinolones, or any excipients of the formulation.
History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration.
Epilepsy.
Children or adolescents before the end of the growth phase.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (relative contraindication).

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

May enhance the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. INR monitoring recommended.

Corticosteroids

Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.

Insulin/Oral Hypoglycemic Agents

Risk of dysglycemia (both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia).

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.

Antacids (Magnesium/Aluminum), Sucralfate, Metal Cations (Iron, Zinc)

Reduce absorption of levofloxacin. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.

Storage

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

Overdose

In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be considered. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing levofloxacin from the body.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Levofloxacin is excreted into breast milk; discontinue nursing or the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 x 10 tablets (Blister)

Shelf Life

2 years

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by major regulatory bodies

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin in treating various bacterial infections, leading to its widespread approval and use.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function (creatinine clearance) if impaired.
Blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Liver function tests if signs of hepatic injury occur.
Complete blood count (CBC) if prolonged therapy or signs of myelosuppression.

Doctor Notes

Counsel patients on potential serious adverse reactions, especially tendon rupture and peripheral neuropathy, and instruct them to discontinue the drug and contact you immediately if these occur.
Consider alternative antibiotics in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g., known prolonged QT interval, uncorrected hypokalemia, concurrent use of other QT-prolonging drugs).
Monitor blood glucose closely in diabetic patients, as dysglycemia can occur.

Patient Guidelines

Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve to prevent antibiotic resistance and recurrence.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent crystalluria.
Avoid excessive sun exposure or use protective clothing/sunscreen due to potential photosensitivity.
Report any tendon pain, numbness, tingling, or severe diarrhea immediately to your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Levofloxacin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or visual disturbances. Patients should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they are certain the drug does not adversely affect their abilities.

Lifestyle Advice

Avoid activities requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving, operating machinery) until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may cause dizziness or visual disturbances.
Maintain good hygiene to support recovery and prevent further infections.