Levoday
Generic Name
Levofloxacin
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
levoday 500 mg tablet | ৳ 16.00 | ৳ 160.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Levoday (Levofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract, skin, urinary tract, and bone/joint infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 250-750 mg orally or intravenously once daily, depending on the infection. Duration of treatment varies from 3 to 14 days.
Elderly
No dose adjustment is typically required based on age alone, but renal function should be assessed and dose adjusted if needed.
Renal_impairment
Dose reduction is necessary for patients with creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min. Refer to product leaflet for specific guidelines.
How to Take
Oral tablets can be taken with or without food. IV infusions should be administered slowly over 60-90 minutes. Eye drops should be instilled into the affected eye(s) as directed.
Mechanism of Action
Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes necessary for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to disruption of bacterial DNA and cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of action varies depending on the infection type and severity, typically within hours to days.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, mainly by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.
Half life
Approximately 6-8 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Absorption
Rapid and complete absorption after oral administration; bioavailability is nearly 100%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1-2 hours.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized in the liver (less than 5% of a dose).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones
- History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Children or adolescents (under 18 years of age)
- Pregnancy and lactation (generally not recommended)
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs
May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Warfarin
May enhance the anticoagulant effects, requiring INR monitoring.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.
Antacids (containing magnesium or aluminum), sucralfate, iron supplements, zinc supplements
Reduce oral absorption of Levofloxacin. Should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after Levofloxacin.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include CNS effects (confusion, dizziness, seizures), gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting), and prolongation of QT interval. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing Levofloxacin.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential harm to the infant.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones
- History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Children or adolescents (under 18 years of age)
- Pregnancy and lactation (generally not recommended)
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs
May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Warfarin
May enhance the anticoagulant effects, requiring INR monitoring.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.
Antacids (containing magnesium or aluminum), sucralfate, iron supplements, zinc supplements
Reduce oral absorption of Levofloxacin. Should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after Levofloxacin.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include CNS effects (confusion, dizziness, seizures), gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting), and prolongation of QT interval. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing Levofloxacin.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential harm to the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, specific to product packaging.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic available)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of Levofloxacin for its approved indications. Ongoing research explores its use in emerging resistant infections and new formulations.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (e.g., creatinine clearance) in patients with impaired renal function
- Liver function tests (e.g., ALT, AST) if signs of hepatotoxicity develop
- Blood glucose monitoring in diabetic patients
Doctor Notes
- Exercise caution in patients with a history of seizures, myasthenia gravis, or prolonged QT interval.
- Advise patients on the importance of completing the full course and promptly reporting any adverse effects, especially tendon pain or neurological symptoms.
- Consider alternative antibiotics for uncomplicated infections where the risks of fluoroquinolones may outweigh the benefits.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve.
- Avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight or artificial UV light while taking this medication.
- Report any pain, swelling, or inflammation in tendons immediately to your doctor.
- Do not take antacids or supplements containing magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc within 2 hours of taking Levofloxacin.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. 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 be cautioned against driving or operating machinery if they experience these side effects.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain adequate hydration.
- Avoid prolonged or excessive sun exposure.
- Report any unusual muscle weakness or difficulty breathing.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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