levofloxacin

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used for treatingbacterial infections.

Many common infections in humans are caused by bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body.Drugsthat control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction and repair of their genetic material, DNA. It is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, a class that includes:

• 环丙沙星(Cipro)
• norfloxacin(Noroxin)
• ofloxacin(Floxin)
• trovafloxacin (Trovan)
• lomefloxacin (Maxaquin)

Levofloxacin uses

• Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin,lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria.
• Levofloxacin is frequently used to treat urinary infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics, as well asprostatitis(infection of the prostate).
• Levofloxacin is effective in treating infectiousdiarrheacaused byE. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, andShigellabacteria.
• Levofloxacin can be used to treat various obstetric infections, includingmastitis(infection of the breast).
• Inhalationalanthraxexposure also is treated with levofloxacin.
• Levofloxacin is used for preventing and treatingplaguecaused byYersinia pestis.

The FDA approved levofloxacin in December 1996.

Serious side effects and warnings include:

• Levofloxacin as well as other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics have been associated with tendinitis and even rupture of tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon.
• Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity and can worsen muscleweaknessin individuals withmyasthenia gravis.

The most frequently reported side effects are:

• Nauseaorvomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Constipation

Less common side effects include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Abdominalgas
• Itching

Rareallergicreactions have been described are:

• Hives
• Anaphylaxis(shock)

• 周围神经病变
• Central nervous system effects
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperglycemia
• Clostridium difficile-associateddiarrhea
• Abnormalheartbeats
• Liverdysfunction
• Sun sensitivity

Other serious side effects and adverse events of levofloxacin include:

• Levofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system diseases such asseizures, because rareseizureshave been reported in patients receiving Levaquin.
• Levofloxacin should be avoided in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age, as safe use in these patients has not been established.
• Many antibiotics, including levofloxacin, can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacterium responsible for the development of inflammation of the colon, (C. difficileor pseudomembranouscolitis). Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after starting Levaquin (diarrhea,fever,abdominal pain, and possiblyshock) should contact their doctor immediately.
• Patients taking Levofloxacin can develop sensitivity of the skin to direct sunlight (photosensitivity) and should avoid exposure to sunlight or use sunblock.
• Fluoroquinolones worsenlow blood glucoselevels when combined with sulfonylureas (for example,glyburide[Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase, Prestab]).
• Because of serious side effects associate with fluoroquinolones, they should not be used for treating uncomplicatedurinary tract infections, acute bacterial exacerbation ofchronic bronchitisor acute bacterialsinusitisunless there are no other alternatives.

• The usual dose is 250-750 mg given once daily for 3-14 days depending on the type of infection.
• Anthraxis treated with 500 mg daily for 60 days.
• It is important to take oral formulations at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid or mineral supplement containing iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium since these bind Levaquin and prevent its absorption into the body.

• Iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium can attach to levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones and prevent their absorption from the intestine into the blood. Therefore, products (for example, antacids) that contain iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after levofloxacin. Other drugs that contain these矿物质and can similarly interact with levofloxacin includesucralfate(Carafate) anddidanosine(Videx,Videx EC).
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with levofloxacin may increase the risk of central nervous stimulation, resulting in over-excitation. There have been reports of changes in bloodsugar(increases and decreases) in patients treated with fluoroquinolones and antidiabetic agents.
• Fluoroquinolones may increase the effect ofwarfarin(Jantoven).

• Levaquin is not recommended for use inpregnantwomen since Levaquin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species.
• Levaquin is excreted inbreast milk. Mothers should decide whether to stopbreastfeedingor discontinue Levaquin.

• Levofloxacin is available in generic form. you need a prescription from a doctor or pharmacist to obtain this antibiotic. The brand name for levofloxacin, Leviquin, has been discontinued.
• Preparations for levofloxacin are:
  • Tablets: 250, 500 and 750 mg
  • Oral solution: 25 mg/mL
  • Injection: 500 mg/20 ml and 750 mg/30 ml
  • Premix ready to use injection: 250 mg/50 ml, 500 mg/100 ml, and 750 mg/150 mll
  • Levofloxacin should be stored at 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F)