Medicine Information

Levolex

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

Tablet500 mgFluoroquinolone AntibioticsATC: 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
levolex 500 mg tablet	৳ 14.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Levolex 500 mg Tablet contains Levofloxacin, which is an antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class. It is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.

Uses & Indications

Community-acquired pneumonia

Acute bacterial sinusitis

Chronic bronchitis exacerbation

Complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections

Pyelonephritis

Skin and soft tissue infections

Prostatitis

Dosage

Adults

Typically 500 mg once daily. Duration varies from 7 to 14 days depending on the infection type and severity.

Elderly

Similar to adults, but dose adjustment may be required based on renal function.

Renal_impairment

For creatinine clearance 20-49 mL/min, initial dose 500 mg, then 250 mg every 24 hours. For CrCl 10-19 mL/min, initial dose 500 mg, then 250 mg every 48 hours.

How to Take

Take orally, with or without food. Ensure adequate fluid intake. Do not take with antacids, iron supplements, or multivitamins containing zinc, as they can reduce absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.

Mechanism of Action

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

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within hours, depending on the type of infection.

Excretion

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

Half life

Approximately 6-8 hours.

Absorption

Rapid and almost complete absorption after oral administration; peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours.

Metabolism

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

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones
History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration
Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
Pregnancy and lactation (generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary)
Children and adolescents below 18 years of age (due to risk of joint damage)

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

May enhance anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk; monitor INR.

Corticosteroids

Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.

Antiarrhythmics (Class IA and III)

Increased risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

Increased risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.

Antacids, 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. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include CNS symptoms (confusion, dizziness, seizures), QT prolongation, and gastrointestinal reactions. Management involves gastric lavage, supportive care, and monitoring of ECG. 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. Levofloxacin is excreted into human breast milk; therefore, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 x 10 tablets (blister pack)

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, consult package for exact date.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Off-patent (generic versions available)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Levofloxacin has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety for various bacterial infections, leading to its global approval. Ongoing post-market surveillance continues to monitor its effects.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function tests (for patients with renal impairment)
Blood glucose (especially in diabetic patients due to dysglycemia risk)
Liver function tests (if signs of hepatotoxicity appear)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize Black Box Warnings: Tendinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, CNS effects, and myasthenia gravis exacerbation.
Consider alternative antibiotics if patient has history of fluoroquinolone-associated adverse reactions.
Adjust dose in renal impairment. Monitor for C. difficile infection if prolonged diarrhea occurs.
Counsel patients on avoiding co-administration with polyvalent cations (antacids, iron, zinc).

Patient Guidelines

Complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or artificial UV light, and use sunscreen.
Report any new or worsening symptoms, especially tendon pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Do not take antacids, iron supplements, or multivitamins containing zinc within 2 hours of taking Levolex.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

Levofloxacin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, visual disturbances, or confusion. Patients should be aware of how they react to the medicine before driving or operating machinery.

Lifestyle Advice

Stay well-hydrated.
Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption.
Engage in light physical activity, but avoid strenuous exercise that might stress tendons if you experience any tendon pain.