Indications

Antibiotic

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones.

Special Precautions

Patient w/ known or suspected CNS disorders (e.g. severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, epilepsy) or other risk factors that predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold, history of psychiatric disease and tendon disorder, history of prolonged QT interval, uncorrected electrolyte disorders (e.g. hypokalaemia), latent or actual defects in G6PD, DM. Kidney, heart or lung transplant recipients. May exacerbate myasthenia gravis. Renal impairment. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid unnecessary or excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g. tanning beds, UVA/UVB treatment). If staying outdoors is necessary, use protective measures (e.g. sunscreen, wear loose-fitting clothes). Rest and refrain from exercise at 1st sign of tendon rupture (e.g. pain, swelling). Do not wear contact lenses when signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis or corneal ulcer occur. Monitoring Parameters Monitor renal function during treatment. Perform slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein staining when appropriate. Monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Side Effects

GI effects (e.g. nausea, diarrhoea, constipation), headache, insomnia, dizziness, tendinitis, tendon rupture, photosensitivity/phototoxicity reactions, peripheral neuropathy (irreversible), hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia, prolonged QT interval leading to ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes, musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. arthralgia, arthritis, gait abnormality, tendinopathy); fever, transient decrease in vision, ocular burning, pain, dryness, itching or discomfort, foreign body sensation, pharyngitis, photophobia, uveitis, allergic reactions, lid oedema.

Drug Interactions

Additive effects on QT interval prolongation w/ class IA (e.g. quinidine, procainamide) or class III (amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmics, fluoxetine or imipramine. Reduced absorption w/ sucralfate, didanosine, antacids containing Mg or Al, dietary supplements containing Zn, Ca, Mg or Fe. Altered glucose levels w/ antidiabetic agents (e.g. insulin, glibenclamide). Increased risk of severe tendon disorders w/ corticosteroids. Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures w/ NSAIDs. Increased prothrombin time w/ warfarin.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician