Serviflox
Generic Name
Levofloxacin
Manufacturer
Acme Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| serviflox 500 mg tablet | ৳ 14.05 | ৳ 140.50 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including those affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 250-750 mg once daily depending on the infection. For most indications, 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
Elderly
Dosage adjustment is usually not required unless there is severe renal impairment. Monitor renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment is necessary based on creatinine clearance (CrCl). For CrCl 20-49 mL/min: initial 500 mg, then 250 mg every 24 hours. For CrCl 10-19 mL/min: initial 500 mg, then 250 mg every 48 hours.
How to Take
Administer orally with or without food. Ensure adequate hydration. Do not take with antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, sucralfate, or metal cations (e.g., iron, zinc, multivitamins containing these) at least 2 hours before or after levofloxacin.
Mechanism of Action
Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination, leading to bacterial cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Varies with infection type and severity, but clinical improvement typically begins within hours to days.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, mainly via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Renal clearance is substantial.
Half life
Approximately 6-8 hours, supporting once-daily dosing.
Absorption
Rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are usually reached within 1-2 hours. Absolute bioavailability is approximately 99%.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized in the liver; primary metabolites are inactive. Approximately 5% of the dose is metabolized.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones
- History of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Children and adolescents (under 18 years of age)
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Increased anticoagulant effect, leading to an elevated risk of bleeding. Monitor INR closely.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, especially in elderly patients.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
Increased risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures when co-administered with fluoroquinolones.
Antidiabetic Agents (Insulin, Oral Hypoglycemic Agents)
Risk of blood glucose disturbances, including hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Monitor blood glucose carefully.
Antacids (Mg/Al), Sucralfate, Metal Cations (Iron, Zinc)
Reduced oral absorption of levofloxacin. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of an overdose, gastric lavage and symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Monitor ECG due to the risk of QT prolongation and observe for CNS symptoms.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Levofloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is excreted in human milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. Consult a doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones
- History of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Children and adolescents (under 18 years of age)
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Increased anticoagulant effect, leading to an elevated risk of bleeding. Monitor INR closely.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, especially in elderly patients.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
Increased risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures when co-administered with fluoroquinolones.
Antidiabetic Agents (Insulin, Oral Hypoglycemic Agents)
Risk of blood glucose disturbances, including hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Monitor blood glucose carefully.
Antacids (Mg/Al), Sucralfate, Metal Cations (Iron, Zinc)
Reduced oral absorption of levofloxacin. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of an overdose, gastric lavage and symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Monitor ECG due to the risk of QT prolongation and observe for CNS symptoms.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Levofloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is excreted in human milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. Consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the manufacturing date, consult product packaging for exact details.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin for approved indications across various patient populations, supporting its role as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (especially in elderly or renally impaired patients)
- Liver function tests (if signs or symptoms of hepatic dysfunction occur)
- Blood glucose monitoring (in diabetic patients)
- ECG monitoring (if risk factors for QT prolongation are present)
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients thoroughly on the black box warnings (tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, CNS effects) associated with fluoroquinolones.
- Consider alternative antibiotics for patients with pre-existing risk factors for tendon disorders (e.g., elderly, corticosteroid use, organ transplant recipients) or QT prolongation.
- Ensure patients maintain adequate hydration to prevent crystalluria, though this is less common with levofloxacin.
- Monitor for signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) during and after treatment.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve.
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light, as fluoroquinolones can increase photosensitivity.
- Report any pain, swelling, or inflammation in tendons immediately. Also report any numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Stay well-hydrated during treatment.
Missed Dose Advice
Take the missed dose 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
Levofloxacin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, visual disturbances, or confusion. Patients should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they are certain the medicine does not adversely affect their abilities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid alcohol consumption if it causes gastrointestinal upset or exacerbates side effects.
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent secondary infections.
- Follow a balanced diet and engage in moderate physical activity as tolerated.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.