Indications, Dosage, and Administration
Indications, dosage, and administration of the medication vary depending on the type of infection and the patient's renal and liver function. For adult patients with normal renal function, the recommended dosage for community-acquired pneumonia is either 750 mg per 24 hours for 5 days or 500 mg per 24 hours for 7 to 14 days. Nosocomial pneumonia requires a dosage of 750 mg per 24 hours for 7 to 14 days. In cases of respiratory tract infections (RTI) such as acute bacterial sinusitis, the prescribed dosage is 500 mg per 24 hours for 10 to 14 days or 750 mg per 24 hours for 5 days. For acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, the recommended dosage is 500 mg per 24 hours for 7 days. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are treated with 500 mg per 24 hours for 7 to 10 days in uncomplicated cases and 750 mg per 24 hours for 7 to 14 days in complicated cases. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) require 250 mg per 24 hours for 3 days in uncomplicated cases and 250 mg per 24 hours for 10 days in complicated cases. Acute pyelonephritis should be treated with 250 mg per 24 hours for 10 days, while chronic bacterial prostatitis requires 500 mg per 24 hours for 28 days.
For adult patients with impaired renal function, dosage adjustments are necessary. In mild renal impairment, the usual initial dose should be administered, followed by half of the normal dose. In moderate to severe renal impairment, the dose should be further reduced based on renal function. However, for patients with impaired liver function, no adjustment in dosage is required. Similarly, elderly patients do not require any dosage adjustments.
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolone antibacterial agents.
As with other quinolones, levofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with known or suspected central nervous system disorders, peripheral neuropathy, or those with a predisposition to seizures.
Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin preparations with zinc, or didanosine chewable/buffered tablets of the pediatric powder for oral solution, should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after levofloxacin administration.
Pediatric Patients, Adolescents (Under 18), Pregnant Women, and Nursing Mothers
The safety and efficacy of levofloxacin in pediatric patients, adolescents (under 18), pregnant women, and nursing mothers have not been established.
The most common adverse events related to levofloxacin use are nausea (1.3%) and diarrhea (1.0%).
Store in a cool and dry place below 30°C.
Protect from light.
Keep out of reach of children.
