Prevo
Generic Name
Levofloxacin
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| prevo 500 mg tablet | ৳ 14.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Prevo 500 mg Tablet contains Levofloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and community-acquired pneumonia.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days depending on the type and severity of infection. For some infections, a 750 mg dose may be used.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is required based solely on age, but renal function should be assessed.
Renal_impairment
Dose adjustment necessary; e.g., for CrCl 20-49 mL/min: initial 500 mg, then 250 mg every 24 hours. For CrCl <20 mL/min: initial 500 mg, then 250 mg every 48 hours.
How to Take
Take orally, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Levofloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to disruption of bacterial DNA and ultimately bacterial cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1-2 hours of oral administration.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (about 87% within 48 hours).
Half life
Approximately 6-8 hours.
Absorption
Rapid and almost complete absorption after oral administration; peak plasma concentrations achieved within 1-2 hours.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized in the liver (less than 5% of a dose).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other fluoroquinolones, or any excipients.
- History of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use.
- Epilepsy.
- Children and adolescents (under 18 years of age).
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Enhanced anticoagulant effect, monitor INR.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Antacids (containing magnesium or aluminum), Sucralfate, Metal cations (iron, zinc), Didanosine
Can reduce levofloxacin absorption; administer levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after these agents.
Antiarrhythmics (e.g., Quinidine, Procainamide, Amiodarone, Sotalol), TCAs, Macrolides, Antipsychotics
May prolong QT interval, increasing risk of arrhythmias.
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 central nervous system symptoms (confusion, dizziness, convulsions, tremors, hallucinations), and cardiac reactions (QT prolongation). Management is symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage and ECG monitoring. 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 in human milk, thus caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother. Consult a doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other fluoroquinolones, or any excipients.
- History of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use.
- Epilepsy.
- Children and adolescents (under 18 years of age).
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Enhanced anticoagulant effect, monitor INR.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Antacids (containing magnesium or aluminum), Sucralfate, Metal cations (iron, zinc), Didanosine
Can reduce levofloxacin absorption; administer levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after these agents.
Antiarrhythmics (e.g., Quinidine, Procainamide, Amiodarone, Sotalol), TCAs, Macrolides, Antipsychotics
May prolong QT interval, increasing risk of arrhythmias.
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 central nervous system symptoms (confusion, dizziness, convulsions, tremors, hallucinations), and cardiac reactions (QT prolongation). Management is symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage and ECG monitoring. 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 in human milk, thus caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother. Consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. Check the expiry date on the packaging.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Levofloxacin has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in various bacterial infections. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor its long-term effects.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (for patients with pre-existing renal impairment)
- Blood glucose (especially for diabetic patients receiving concomitant hypoglycemic agents)
- Liver function tests (if signs of hepatotoxicity appear)
Doctor Notes
- Exercise caution in patients with known risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g., uncorrected hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia, significant bradycardia, congenital long QT syndrome, concomitant use of Class IA and III antiarrhythmics).
- Advise patients to report any psychiatric adverse reactions immediately. Psychotic reactions, depression, and suicidal ideation have been reported.
- Consider alternative antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and acute bacterial sinusitis due to serious adverse effects associated with fluoroquinolones.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you feel better.
- Stay well-hydrated during treatment.
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light, and use sunscreen.
- Report any tendon pain, numbness, tingling, or unusual muscle weakness immediately to your doctor.
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 your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
May cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or visual disturbances. Patients should assess their reaction to the drug before driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.
- Ensure adequate rest to support recovery.
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