Levoxin 500mg Tablet

Uses of Levoxin 500mg Tablet

• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Inhalation Anthrax
• Plague

How does Levoxin 500mg Tablet work?

Levofloxacin in the Levoxin 500mg Tablet prevents bacterial growth by interfering with the vital functions of bacterial cells like protein synthesis that is responsible for the growth and development of the bacteria.

Side Effects of Levoxin 500mg Tablet

COMMON side effects of Levoxin 500mg Tablet may include:

1. Sleeping problems
2. Headache, dizziness
3. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

UNCOMMON side effects of Levoxin 500mg Tablet may include:

1. Candidiasis (a fungal infection)
2. Anxiety, confusion, nervousness, sleepiness, trembling, and spinning sensation
3. Shortness of breath
4. Altered taste, loss of appetite, stomach upset, indigestion, stomach-ache, flatulence, constipation
5. Itching, skin rash, red itchy welts, hyperhidrosis (increased sweating)
6. Joint and muscle pain
7. General weakness

RARE side effects of Levoxin 500mg Tablet may include:

1. Signs of low blood sugar such as shakiness, sweating, headache, hunger, and/or nausea
2. Depression, mental problems, agitation, abnormal dreams/nightmares
3. Tingling sensation in hands and feet
4. Hearing impairment (tinnitus), blurred vision
5. Fever, racing heartbeat, low blood pressure, muscle weakness
6. Interstitial nephritis (allergic kidney reaction associated with altered kidney function and occasional kidney failure)
7. Sharply demarcated, erythematous patches with/without blisters.

Quick Suggestions:

• Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
• Discontinue Levofloxacin and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of your face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
• Notify your doctor if you feel pain in your tendons, numbness, or tingling sensations.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Indication

Levoxin 500mg Tablet is an antibiotic containing Levofloxacin, used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs, skin, and urinary tract. It works by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria and is not effective against viral infections.

Pharmacology

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that exerts its antibacterial action by inhibiting two important bacterial enzymes called topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase. These enzymes are essential for various processes involved in DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination within bacterial cells.

By inhibiting these enzymes, levofloxacin disrupts the normal DNA processes and prevents the bacteria from replicating and multiplying effectively. This action ultimately leads to the inhibition of bacterial growth and helps to eliminate the infection.

Levofloxacin has a broad spectrum of activity, meaning it is effective against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms. It can target and kill various types of bacteria, including those responsible for common respiratory, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue infections.

As with any antibiotic, it's essential to use levofloxacin responsibly and as prescribed by a healthcare professional to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance and to ensure its effectiveness in treating bacterial infections.

Dosage & Administration of Levoxin 500mg Tablet

The information provided here outlines the administration and dosing guidelines for Levoxin 500mg Tablet. It is important to note that this information is intended as a general guide and should not replace specific instructions given by your healthcare provider. Always follow your doctor's recommendations regarding the dosage and administration of any medication.

Tablet:

• May be taken with or without food.
• Ensure adequate fluid intake.

Adult Dose: The dosages listed below are for adults and may vary based on the specific condition being treated. Always follow your doctor's prescription.

• Community-Acquired Pneumonia: 500 mg PO/IV once daily for 7-14 days or 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 5 days.
• Nosocomial Pneumonia: 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 7-14 days.
• Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: 500 mg PO/IV once daily for 10-14 days or 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 5 days (reserving fluoroquinolones for patients with no other treatment options).
• Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: 500 mg PO/IV once daily for 7 days (reserving fluoroquinolones for patients with no other treatment options).
• Inhalational Anthrax Postexposure Therapy: 500 mg PO once daily for 60 days, beginning as soon as possible after exposure.
• Skin/Skin Structure Infections: Uncomplicated: 500 mg PO/IV once daily for 7-10 days. Complicated: 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 7-14 days.
• Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: 500 mg PO/IV once daily for 28 days.
• Complicated Urinary Tract Infections & Acute Pyelonephritis: 250 mg PO/IV once daily for 10 days or 750 mg PO/IV once daily for 5 days.
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: 250 mg PO/IV once daily for 3 days (reserving fluoroquinolones for patients with no other treatment options).
• Plague Treatment and Prophylaxis: 500 mg PO/IV once daily for 10-14 days.

Child Dose: The dosages listed below are for children and may vary based on the specific condition being treated. Always follow your doctor's prescription.

• Children PO, IV: 16 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours, up to 50 kg body weight, then 500 mg once daily for postexposure anthrax prophylaxis every 12 hours.
• For respiratory infections:
  • Children <5 years: 20 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours.
  • Children >5 years: 10 mg/kg/day divided every 24 hours.

Renal Dose: The dosages listed below are adjusted based on the patient's renal function (CrCl - Creatinine Clearance).

• Hemodialysis/CAPD: Initially, 500 mg daily, then 250 mg every 48 hours. Alternatively, initially, 750 mg daily, then 500 mg every 48 hours.
• CrCl (ml/min) 20-49: Initially, 500 mg daily, then 250 mg every 24 hours. Alternatively, initially, 750 mg daily, then 750 mg every 48 hours.
• CrCl (ml/min) 10-19: Initially, 500 mg daily, then 250 mg every 48 hours. Alternatively, initially, 750 mg daily, then 500 mg every 48 hours.

It's essential to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the appropriate dose and duration of treatment based on your specific medical condition and individual factors. Never adjust the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.

Interaction

Heart and Brain Medications: If you are taking medications to treat heart problems or brain disorders, it's essential to inform your doctor. Levoxin 500mg Tablet may interact with certain drugs used for these conditions, and your doctor will need to adjust the dosages or monitor you closely to avoid any adverse effects.

Other Antibiotics and Blood Thinners: Using Levoxin 500mg Tablet with certain other antibiotics or blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding or other complications. Your doctor should be aware of any other medications you are taking in this category.

Painkillers and Steroids: Some painkillers and steroids may interact with Levoxin 500mg Tablet, leading to potential side effects or reduced effectiveness. Inform your doctor if you are using any of these medications.

Medications for Acidity: Medicines containing aluminum, magnesium, or sucralfate, used for acidity problems, should be taken with a minimum gap of 2 hours from Levoxin 500mg Tablet. Taking them together can interfere with the absorption of Levoxin 500mg Tablet.

Methotrexate, Cimetidine, and Probenecid: These medications should be used cautiously with Levoxin 500mg Tablet, as interactions may occur, affecting the levels and effects of either drug.

Iron-containing Dietary Supplements: If you are taking dietary supplements that contain iron, it's advisable to take them at least two hours before or after taking Levoxin 500mg Tablet. Iron can interfere with the absorption of Levoxin 500mg Tablet, potentially reducing its effectiveness.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to levofloxacin or any other ingredients of this medicine.
• If you are below 18 years old.
• If you are allergic to a class of medicines called fluoroquinolones. If you are not sure which are these medicines ask your doctor.
• If you have a history of fits and seizures (epilepsy).
• If you have tendons (tendonitis) related problems.
• If you are pregnant/breastfeeding or are planning to become pregnant.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Levoxin 500mg Tablet should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of severe side effects on the joints of the developing fetus. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine only if necessary.

Levoxin 500mg Tablet may pass into breast milk in small amounts and may harm your infant. Hence it is acceptable for use in breastfeeding only upon your doctor's recommendation. The baby should be observed for symptoms of yeast infection such as a thick, white coating on the tongue, diarrhea, and diaper rash.

Precautions & Warnings

Allergy to Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics: If you have a known allergy or have had a severe reaction to any fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including delafloxacin, gemifloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, you should not take Levoxin 500mg Tablet.

Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture: Levoxin 500mg Tablet may increase the risk of developing tendinitis (swelling of a fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle) or experiencing a tendon rupture (tearing of a fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle). If you have a history of joint or tendon disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or participate in regular physical activity, inform your doctor.

Kidney, Heart, or Lung Transplant: If you have undergone a kidney, heart, or lung transplant, or have kidney disease, you should inform your doctor before taking Levoxin 500mg Tablet.

Myasthenia Gravis: Levoxin 500mg Tablet may worsen muscle weakness in individuals with myasthenia gravis, a nervous system disorder that causes muscle weakness. It can lead to severe difficulty breathing or even death.

Dairy Products: Avoid consuming dairy products while taking Levoxin 500mg Tablet, as they may interfere with the absorption of the medication.

Sunlight Exposure: It is advisable to avoid exposure to sunlight while taking Levoxin 500mg Tablet, as it may cause increased phototoxicity or photosensitivity, making your skin more susceptible to sunburn and other reactions.

Epilepsy and Irregular Heartbeat (QT Prolongation): Patients with epilepsy and those with irregular heartbeat or a condition called QT prolongation should inform their doctor before taking Levoxin 500mg Tablet, as this medication may interact with their conditions.

Storage Conditions

Keep the temperature below 30°C and away from light and moisture. Keep out of children's reach. Discard any unused medicine properly. Do not flush it in the toilet or throw it into the drain.