Qben-DS
Generic Name
Levofloxacin
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| qben ds 400 mg tablet | ৳ 5.00 | ৳ 15.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Qben-DS 400 mg Tablet contains Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections including those of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
400 mg once daily for 7-14 days depending on the infection type and severity, or as directed by physician. Dosing may vary from 250 mg to 750 mg once daily.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment based on age alone; however, renal function should be evaluated as elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment is required for patients with creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min. Specific dosing schedules should be followed as per medical guidelines.
How to Take
Qben-DS tablets can be taken orally, with or without food. It is important to swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush. Ensure adequate hydration during treatment. Avoid taking with antacids, iron or zinc supplements, sucralfate, or didanosine. Maintain a 2-hour interval between levofloxacin and these agents.
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
Clinical improvement generally seen within hours to days, depending on the infection severity and type.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (approximately 87% within 48 hours) via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.
Half life
Approximately 6-8 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Absorption
Rapid and complete absorption after oral administration; peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours. Bioavailability is approximately 99%.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized in the liver; main metabolites (desmethyl-levofloxacin and levofloxacin N-oxide) have little pharmacological activity.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any excipients
- Patients with a history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration
- Epilepsy
- Children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) due to risk of arthropathy
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (generally not recommended)
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Increased anticoagulant effect, leading to bleeding. Monitor INR closely.
Corticosteroids
Significantly increased risk of tendon rupture.
Oral Hypoglycemics/Insulin
Can alter blood glucose levels, leading to hyper- or hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose carefully.
Antiarrhythmics (Class IA and III)
Increased risk of QT interval prolongation, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Antacids (Mg/Al), Sucralfate, Iron/Zinc supplements
Reduced oral absorption of levofloxacin. Administer levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after these agents.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include CNS symptoms (e.g., confusion, convulsions, tremors, hallucinations), QT prolongation, and gastrointestinal reactions. In case of overdose, discontinue the drug, employ symptomatic and supportive treatment. Gastric lavage and adequate hydration may be beneficial. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing levofloxacin from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Levofloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding as it is excreted in breast milk and may cause arthropathy and other serious adverse reactions in the infant.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any excipients
- Patients with a history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration
- Epilepsy
- Children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) due to risk of arthropathy
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (generally not recommended)
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Increased anticoagulant effect, leading to bleeding. Monitor INR closely.
Corticosteroids
Significantly increased risk of tendon rupture.
Oral Hypoglycemics/Insulin
Can alter blood glucose levels, leading to hyper- or hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose carefully.
Antiarrhythmics (Class IA and III)
Increased risk of QT interval prolongation, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Antacids (Mg/Al), Sucralfate, Iron/Zinc supplements
Reduced oral absorption of levofloxacin. Administer levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after these agents.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include CNS symptoms (e.g., confusion, convulsions, tremors, hallucinations), QT prolongation, and gastrointestinal reactions. In case of overdose, discontinue the drug, employ symptomatic and supportive treatment. Gastric lavage and adequate hydration may be beneficial. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing levofloxacin from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Levofloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding as it is excreted in breast milk and may cause arthropathy and other serious adverse reactions in the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by FDA/DGDA
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Levofloxacin has been extensively evaluated in numerous phase III clinical trials for its efficacy and safety in various bacterial infections. Post-marketing surveillance data continue to monitor for rare and serious adverse events.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (creatinine clearance, BUN) especially in elderly or patients with pre-existing renal impairment
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) if signs of hepatotoxicity appear
- Blood glucose levels, particularly in diabetic patients, due to risk of dysglycemia
- ECG monitoring in patients at risk for QT prolongation (e.g., existing cardiac conditions, concurrent antiarrhythmics, hypokalemia)
Doctor Notes
- Educate patients thoroughly about the black box warnings, especially regarding tendinopathy and peripheral neuropathy, and advise immediate discontinuation if symptoms occur.
- Exercise caution in patients with a history of seizures, CNS disorders, or conditions predisposing to QT prolongation.
- Monitor diabetic patients for dysglycemia, particularly at the beginning of treatment.
- Avoid concurrent use with corticosteroids due to significantly increased risk of tendon rupture.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full prescribed course of Qben-DS, even if symptoms improve early, to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Report any pain, swelling, or inflammation of tendons (especially in the ankle, shoulder, or hand) immediately.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen due to increased photosensitivity.
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the treatment period.
- Do not take Qben-DS with antacids, iron, or zinc supplements. Maintain at least a 2-hour gap.
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 resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Qben-DS may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, visual disturbances, or other central nervous system effects that could impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should assess their reaction to the drug before engaging in such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid strenuous exercise during treatment to minimize the risk of tendon rupture, especially in older adults.
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay physically active after completing the antibiotic course to support overall health.
- Limit alcohol intake as it may exacerbate some side effects.
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