Levofloxacin

Oral
Acute bacterial sinusitis
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	or dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Oral
Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Oral
Pyelonephritis
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Oral
Community-acquired pneumonia
Adult: 500 mg once daily or bid for 7-14 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Oral
Complicated skin and soft tissue infections
Adult: 500 mg once daily or bid for 7-14 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Oral
Complicated urinary tract infections
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
60>10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Oral
Uncomplicated cystitis
Adult: 250 mg once daily for 3 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Oral
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 28 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.l
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Oral
Treatment and postexposure prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 8 weeks.
Child: ≥6 months weighing <50 kg: 8 mg/kg up to max 250 mg 12 hourly; ≥50 kg: 500 mg 24 hourly. All doses to be given for 60 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Intravenous
Community-acquired pneumonia
Adult: 500 mg once daily or bid for 7-14 days, infused over 60 minutes.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Reconstitution: IV infusion: Dilute with 5% dextrose solution or 0.9% NaCl to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL.
Incompatibility: Solutions containing multivalent cations (e.g. Mg, Ca), heparin, or alkaline solutions.

Intravenous
Complicated skin and soft tissue infections
Adult: 500 mg once daily or bid for 7-14 days, infused over 60 minutes.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Reconstitution: IV infusion: Dilute with 5% dextrose solution or 0.9% NaCl to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL.
Incompatibility: Solutions containing multivalent cations (e.g. Mg, Ca), heparin, or alkaline solutions.

Intravenous
Pyelonephritis
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days, infused over 60 minutes.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Reconstitution: IV infusion: Dilute with 5% dextrose solution or 0.9% NaCl to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL.
Incompatibility: Solutions containing multivalent cations (e.g. Mg, Ca), heparin, or alkaline solutions.

Intravenous
Complicated urinary tract infections
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days, infused over 60 minutes.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Reconstitution: IV infusion: Dilute with 5% dextrose solution or 0.9% NaCl to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL.
Incompatibility: Solutions containing multivalent cations (e.g. Mg, Ca), heparin, or alkaline solutions.

Intravenous
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 28 days, infused over 60 minutes.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Reconstitution: IV infusion: Dilute with 5% dextrose solution or 0.9% NaCl to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL.
Incompatibility: Solutions containing multivalent cations (e.g. Mg, Ca), heparin, or alkaline solutions.

Intravenous
Treatment and postexposure prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 8 weeks, infused over 60 minutes.
Child: ≥6 months weighing <50 kg: 8 mg/kg up to max 250 mg 12 hourly; ≥50 kg: 500 mg 24 hourly. All doses to be given for 60 days.
Renal impairment: Patient on haemodialysis and CAPD: For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
<10	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 48 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 250 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 250 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly. For dosing of 500 mg 24 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 24 hourly.
<10	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 24 hourly.
10-19	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 125 mg 12 hourly.
20-50	For dosing of 500 mg 12 hourly: Initially, 500 mg followed by 250 mg 12 hourly.

Reconstitution: IV infusion: Dilute with 5% dextrose solution or 0.9% NaCl to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL.
Incompatibility: Solutions containing multivalent cations (e.g. Mg, Ca), heparin, or alkaline solutions.

Inhalation
Pseudomonal lung infections in cystic fibrosis
Adult: 240 mg bid (12 hourly) via nebuliser for 28 days followed by 28 days treatment-free. Cycle may be repeated according to patient response.
Renal impairment:

CrCl (ml/min)	Dosage Recommendation
Severe (<20)	Not recommended.

Ophthalmic
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Adult: As 0.5% solution: Instill 1-2 drops into the affected eye(s) 2 hourly up to 8 times daily during waking hours for days 1-2, then 4 times daily on days 3-5. Treatment duration depends on the severity and type of infection. Usual duration: 5 days.
Child: ≥1 year Same as adult dose.

Ophthalmic
Bacterial corneal ulcer
Adult: As 1.5% solution: Instill 1-2 drops into affected eye(s) every 30 minutes to every 2 hours during waking hours and approx 4 and 6 hours after retiring on days 1-3, then every 1-4 hours while awake thereafter.

Oral soln: Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals. Ensure adequate fluid intake.
Tab: May be taken with or without food. Ensure adequate fluid intake.

Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones. Epilepsy, history of tendon disorders related to previous fluoroquinolone use.

Patient with history of prolonged QT interval, uncorrected electrolyte disorders (e.g. hypokalaemia), risk factors that predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold, pre-existing aortic aneurysm and/or dissection, latent or actual defects in G6PD, diabetes mellitus, history or risk factors of psychiatric disorders, history of or risk factors for tendon disorder, severe underlying diseases (e.g. sepsis), haemoptysis (inhalation). Renal impairment. Children and elderly. Pregnancy and lactation. Not recommended as treatment option for known or suspected MRSA and E. coli infection due to increased risk of resistance in some countries. Patient Counselling This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances (ophthalmic) if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid exposure to strong sunlight or to artificial UV rays (e.g. sunray lamp, solarium) during treatment and for 48 hours following discontinuation. Ophthalmic: Remove contact lenses prior to instillation of ophthalmic drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting. Monitoring Parameters Monitor LFT, renal and haematopoietic function, WBC count, blood glucose level in diabetic patients, signs of infection, altered mental status, signs and symptoms of tendonitis or tendon rupture, altered glucose regulation, crystalluria, bronchospasm or haemoptysis. Perform culture and susceptibility tests; consult local institutional recommendations before treatment initiation due to antibiotic resistance risks.

Significant: CNS effects including seizures, increased intracranial pressure, lightheadedness, dizziness, tremor; psychotic reactions (e.g. hallucinations, nervousness, delirium), sensory or sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy, prolonged QT interval, blood glucose disturbances (hypo-/hyperglycaemia), phototoxicity, superinfection (prolonged use), bronchospasm, cough or productive cough, haemoptysis, fluoroquinolone-resistant P. aeruginosa (inhalation), exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, interstitial nephritis, acute renal insufficiency or failure, hypotension (rapid or bolus IV infusion). Rarely, tendinitis, tendon rupture, suicidal thoughts, self-endangering behaviour, crystalluria, cylindruria, torsades de pointes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, hepatic necrosis. Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Rarely, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, haemolytic or aplastic anaemia, leukopenia, eosinophilia. Cardiac disorders: Dyspnoea, chest pain, arrhythmia. Eye disorders: Ocular burning, decreased vision and mucous strand, blurred vision, eye pain, eye irritation, eyelid oedema, eye pruritus, chemosis, photophobia, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome. Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain. General disorders and administration site conditions: Fatigue, fever, asthenia, hyperhidrosis. Hepatobiliary disorders: Rarely, hepatitis, jaundice. Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: Infusion site reaction (e.g. pain, reddening), phlebitis. Investigations: Increased hepatic enzymes (ALT/AST, alkaline phosphatase, GGT), decreased forced expiratory volume. Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Anorexia, oedema. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Arthralgia, myalgia. Nervous system disorders: Headache, vertigo, dysgeusia. Psychiatric disorders: Insomnia. Reproductive system and breast disorders: Vaginitis. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Increased bronchial secretions, rarely, allergic pneumonitis. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash, pruritus. Vascular disorders: Rarely, vasculitis.
Potentially Fatal: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. angioedema, anaphylactic shock), Clostridium difficile-associated disease (e.g. pseudomembranous colitis), hypoglycaemic coma, severe hepatotoxicity.

Decreased absorption with Fe salts, Zn-containing multivitamins, Mg- or Al-containing antacids, didanosine. Decreased bioavailability with sucralfate. Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures with drugs which may affect seizure threshold (e.g. theophylline, NSAIDs). Decreased renal clearance with cimetidine and probenecid due to blockage of renal tubular secretion of levofloxacin. May increase the half-life of ciclosporin. Increased INR and/or bleeding with vitamin K antagonists (e.g. warfarin). Increased risk of severe tendon disorders with corticosteroids. Increased risk for QT interval prolongation with class IA and III antiarrhythmics, TCA, macrolides and antipsychotic agents. May result to altered blood glucose levels with antidiabetic agents (e.g. insulin, glibenclamide).

May give false-positive results for determination of opiates in urine using immunoassay.

Levofloxacin is the S(-)enantiomer of racemic ofloxacin. It inhibits bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA-gyrase, the enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription, repair, recombination and transposition, thereby inhibiting the relaxation of supercoiled DNA and promoting breakage of bacterial DNA strands.
Absorption: Rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (oral). Absolute bioavailability: Approx 99% (oral). Time to peak plasma concentration: Within 1-2 hours (oral).
Distribution: Widely distributed into body tissues including bronchial mucosa and lungs, enters breastmilk. Volume of distribution: 1.27 L/kg. Plasma protein binding: Approx 24-38%, mainly to albumin.
Metabolism: Minimally metabolised in the liver.
Excretion: Mainly via urine (approx 87% as unchanged drug, <5% as metabolites; faeces (<4%). Elimination half-life: 6-8 hours; 0.5-1 hour (inhalation).

Inhalation: Store between 20-25°C. Intravenous: IV solution: Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Infusion bag: Store below 30°C. Protect from light. Ophthalmic: Store between 20-25°C. Oral: Store between 20-25°C.

Eye Anti-Infectives & Antiseptics / Quinolones

S01AE05 - levofloxacin ; Belongs to the class of quinolone antiinfectives. Used in the treatment of eye infections.
J01MA12 - levofloxacin ; Belongs to the class of fluoroquinolones. Used in the systemic treatment of infections.