Levofloxacin In 5% Dextrose

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Levofloxacin

Brand Names
Levofloxacin
Drug Class
Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial [EPC]
Route
INTRAVENOUS
Dosage Form
INJECTION, SOLUTION
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS INCLUDING TENDINITIS, TENDON RUPTURE, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS AND EXACERBATION OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that have occurred together [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , including: Tendinitis and tendon rupture [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Peripheral neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Central nervous system effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Discontinue levofloxacin immediately and avoid the use of fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, in patients who experience any of these serious adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, may exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Avoid levofloxacin in patients with a known history of myasthenia gravis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Because fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, have been associated with serious adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 to 5.15) ] , reserve levofloxacin for use in patients who have no alternative treatment options for the following indications: Uncomplicated urinary tract infection [see Indications and Usage (1.12) ] Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis [see Indications and Usage (1.13) ] Acute bacterial sinusitis [see Indications and Usage (1.14) ] . WARNING: SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS INCLUDING TENDINITIS, TENDON RUPTURE, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS AND EXACERBATION OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that have occurred together ( 5.1 ), including: Tendinitis and tendon rupture ( 5.2 ) Peripheral neuropathy ( 5.3 ) Central nervous system effects ( 5.4 ) Discontinue levofloxacin immediately and avoid the use of fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, in patients who experience any of these serious adverse reactions ( 5.1 ) Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, may exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Avoid levofloxacin in patients with a known history of myasthenia gravis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Because fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, have been associated with serious adverse reactions ( 5.1 to 5.15 ), reserve levofloxacin for use in patients who have no alternative treatment options for the following indications: Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (1.12) Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (1.13) Acute bacterial sinusitis (1.14)

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Levofloxacin is a synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial agent for intravenous administration. Chemically, levofloxacin, a chiral fluorinated carboxyquinolone, is the pure (-)-(S)-enantiomer of the racemic drug substance ofloxacin. The chemical name is (-)-(S)-9-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid hemihydrate. Figure 1: The Chemical Structure of Levofloxacin The molecular formula is C 18 H 20 FN 3 O 4

  • ½ H 2 O and the molecular weight is 370.38. Levofloxacin USP is a pale or bright yellow, crystalline powder. The molecule exists as a zwitterion at the pH conditions in the small intestine. The data demonstrate that from pH 0.6 to 5.8, the solubility of levofloxacin is essentially constant (approximately 100 mg/mL). Levofloxacin is considered soluble to freely soluble in this pH range, as defined by USP nomenclature. Above pH 5.8, the solubility increases rapidly to its maximum at pH 6.7 (272 mg/mL) and is considered freely soluble in this range. Above pH 6.7, the solubility decreases and reaches a minimum value (about 50 mg/mL) at a pH of approximately 6.9. Levofloxacin has the potential to form stable coordination compounds with many metal ions. This in vitro chelation potential has the following formation order: Al +3 >Cu +2 >Zn +2 >Mg +2 >Ca +2 . Excipients and Description of Dosage Forms The appearance of levofloxacin injection may range from a clear yellow to a clear greenish-yellow solution. This does not adversely affect product potency. Levofloxacin Injection Premix in Single-Dose Flexible Containers is a sterile, preservative-free aqueous solution of levofloxacin with pH ranging from 3.8 to 5.8. This is a dilute, non-pyrogenic, nearly isotonic premixed solution that contains levofloxacin in 5% Dextrose (D 5 W). Solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust the pH. The flexible container is fabricated from a specially formulated...

  • What Is Levofloxacin In 5% Dextrose Used For?

    1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Levofloxacin injection is indicated for the treatment of adults (≥18 years of age) with mild, moderate, and severe infections caused by susceptible isolates of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed in this section. Levofloxacin injection is indicated when intravenous administration offers a route of administration advantageous to the patient (e.g., patient cannot tolerate an oral dosage form). Levofloxacin injection is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial indicated in adults (≥18 years of age) with infections caused by designated, susceptible bacteria ( 1 , 12.4 ). Pneumonia: Nosocomial ( 1.1 ) and Community Acquired (1.2 , 1.3) Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Complicated (1.4) and Uncomplicated (1.5) Chronic bacterial prostatitis (1.6) Inhalational Anthrax, Post-Exposure (1.7) Plague (1.8) Urinary Tract Infections: Complicated (1.9 , 1.10) and Uncomplicated (1.12) Acute Pyelonephritis (1.11) Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (1.13) Acute Bacterial Sinusitis ( 1.14 ) Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of levofloxacin and other antibacterial drugs, levofloxacin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria ( 1.15 ). 1.1 Nosocomial Pneumonia Levofloxacin injection is indicated for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Streptococcus pneumoniae . Adjunctive therapy should be used as clinically indicated. Where Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a documented or presumptive pathogen, combination therapy with an anti-pseudomonal β-lactam is recommended [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . 1.2 Community-Acquired Pneumonia: 7 to 14 day Treatment Regimen Levofloxacin injection is indicated for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae [MDRSP]), Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. MDRSP isolates are isolates resistant to two or more of the following antibacterials: penicillin (MIC ≥2 mcg/mL), 2 nd generation cephalosporins, e.g., cefuroxime, macrolides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. 1.3 Community-Acquired Pneumonia: 5-day Treatment Regimen Levofloxacin injection is indicated for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (excluding multi-drug-resistant isolates [MDRSP]), Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Chlamydophila pneumoniae [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Studies (14.3)...

    Dosage and Administration

    2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosage in patients with normal renal function ( 2.1 ) Type of Infection Dose Every 24 hours Duration (days) Nosocomial Pneumonia ( 1.1 ) 750 mg 7 to 14 Community Acquired Pneumonia ( 1.2 ) 500 mg 7 to 14 Community Acquired Pneumonia ( 1.3 ) 750 mg 5 Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (SSSI) ( 1.4 ) 750 mg 7 to 14 Uncomplicated SSSI ( 1.5 ) 500 mg 7 to 10 Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis ( 1.6 ) 500 mg 28 Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure) ( 1.7 ) Adults and Pediatric Patients > 50 kg Pediatric Patients < 50 kg and ≥ 6 months of age 500 mg 8 mg/kg BID (not to exceed 250 mg/dose) 60 60 Plague ( 1.8 ) Adults and Pediatric Patients > 50 kg Pediatric Patients < 50 kg and ≥ 6 months of age 500 mg 8 mg/kg BID (not to exceed 250 mg/dose) 10 to 14 10 to 14 Complicated Urinary Tract Infection ( 1.9 ) or Acute Pyelonephritis (1.11) 750 mg 5 Complicated Urinary Tract Infection ( 1.10 ) or Acute Pyelonephritis (1.11) 250 mg 10 Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection ( 1.12 ) 250 mg 3 Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis ( 1.13 ) 500 mg 7 Acute Bacterial Sinusitis (1.14) 750 mg 5 500 mg 10 to 14 Adjust dose for creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min ( 2.3 , 8.6 , 12.3 ) IV Injection Premix: Slow IV infusion only, over 60 or 90 minutes depending on dose. Avoid rapid or bolus IV ( 2.5 ) Do not mix with other medications in IV line ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Dosage in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function The usual dose of levofloxacin injection is 250 mg or 500 mg administered by slow infusion over 60 minutes every 24 hours or 750 mg administered by slow infusion over 90 minutes every 24 hours, as indicated by infection and described in Table 1. These recommendations apply to patients with creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min. For patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, adjustments to the dosing regimen are required [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Table 1: Dosage in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function (creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min) * Due to the designated pathogens [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . † Sequential therapy (intravenous to oral) may be instituted at the discretion of the physician. ‡ Due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug-resistant isolates [MDRSP]), Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae [see Indications and Usage (1.2) ]. § Due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (excluding multi-drug-resistant isolates [MDRSP]), Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Chlamydophila pneumoniae [see Indications and Usage (1.3) ]. ¶ This regimen is indicated for cUTI due to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and AP due to E. coli, including cases with concurrent bacteremia. # This regimen is indicated for cUTI due to Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus cloacae,...

    Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common reactions (≥3%) were nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, constipation and dizziness (6.2) . To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eugia US LLC at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Serious and Otherwise Important Adverse Reactions The following serious and otherwise important adverse drug reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Disabling and Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Peripheral Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Central Nervous System Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Other Serious and Sometimes Fatal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Risk of Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Prolongation of the QT Interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Musculoskeletal Disorders in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Blood Glucose Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] Hypotension has been associated with rapid or bolus intravenous infusion of levofloxacin. Levofloxacin should be infused slowly over 60 to 90 minutes, depending on dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. Crystalluria and cylindruria have been reported with quinolones, including levofloxacin. Therefore, adequate hydration of patients receiving levofloxacin should be maintained to prevent the formation of a highly concentrated urine [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. 6.2 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure to levofloxacin in 7537 patients in 29 pooled Phase 3 clinical trials. The population studied had a mean age of 50 years (approximately 74% of the population was < 65 years of age), 50% were male, 71% were Caucasian, 19% were Black. Patients were treated with levofloxacin for a wide variety of infectious diseases [see Indications and Usage (1)] . Patients received levofloxacin doses of 750 mg once daily, 250 mg once daily, or 500 mg once or twice daily. Treatment duration was usually 3 to 14 days, and the mean number of days on therapy was 10 days. The overall incidence, type and distribution of adverse reactions was similar in patients receiving levofloxacin doses of 750 mg once daily, 250 mg once daily, and 500 mg once or twice daily. Discontinuation of levofloxacin due to adverse drug reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients overall, 3.8% of patients treated with the 250 mg and 500 mg doses and 5.4% of patients treated with the 750 mg dose. The most common adverse drug reactions leading to discontinuation with the 250 and 500 mg doses were gastrointestinal (1.4%), primarily nausea (0.6%); vomiting (0.4%); dizziness (0.3%); and headache (0.2%). The most common adverse drug reactions leading to discontinuation with the 750 mg dose were gastrointestinal (1.2%), primarily nausea (0.6%), vomiting (0.5%); dizziness (0.3%); and headache (0.3%). Adverse reactions occurring in ≥1% of levofloxacin-treated patients and less common adverse reactions, occurring in 0.1 to <1% of levofloxacin-treated patients, are shown in Table 4 and Table 5, respectively. The most common adverse drug reactions (≥3%) are...

    Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Interacting Drug Interaction Multivalent cation-containing products including antacids, metal cations or didanosine Do not co-administer the intravenous formulation in the same IV line with a multivalent cation, e.g., magnesium (2.4 , 7.1) Warfarin Effect may be enhanced. Monitor prothrombin time, INR, watch for bleeding (7.2) Antidiabetic agents Carefully monitor blood glucose ( 5.13 , 7.3) 7.1 Chelation Agents: Antacids, Sucralfate, Metal Cations, Multivitamins Levofloxacin Injection There are no data concerning an interaction of intravenous fluoroquinolones with oral antacids, sucralfate, multivitamins, didanosine, or metal cations. However, no fluoroquinolone should be co-administered with any solution containing multivalent cations, e.g., magnesium, through the same intravenous line [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . 7.2 Warfarin No significant effect of levofloxacin on the peak plasma concentrations, AUC, and other disposition parameters for R- and S-warfarin was detected in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. Similarly, no apparent effect of warfarin on levofloxacin absorption and disposition was observed. However, there have been reports during the postmarketing experience in patients that levofloxacin enhances the effects of warfarin. Elevations of the prothrombin time in the setting of concurrent warfarin and levofloxacin use have been associated with episodes of bleeding. Prothrombin time, International Normalized Ratio (INR), or other suitable anticoagulation tests should be closely monitored if levofloxacin is administered concomitantly with warfarin. Patients should also be monitored for evidence of bleeding [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ; Patient Counseling Information (17) ]. 7.3 Antidiabetic Agents Disturbances of blood glucose, including hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with fluoroquinolones and an antidiabetic agent. Therefore, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended when these agents are co-administered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ; Adverse Reactions (6.2) ; Patient Counseling Information (17) ]. 7.4 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs The concomitant administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with a fluoroquinolone, including levofloxacin, may increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. 7.5 Theophylline No significant effect of levofloxacin on the plasma concentrations, AUC, and other disposition parameters for theophylline was detected in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. Similarly, no apparent effect of theophylline on levofloxacin absorption and disposition was observed. However, concomitant administration of other fluoroquinolones with theophylline has resulted in prolonged elimination half-life, elevated serum theophylline levels, and a subsequent increase in the risk of theophylline-related adverse reactions in the patient...

    Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Levofloxacin injection is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, or other quinolone antibacterials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin injection or other quinolones (4 , 5.7 )

    Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C. Levofloxacin was not teratogenic in rats at oral doses as high as 810 mg/kg/day which corresponds to 9.4 times the highest recommended human dose based upon relative body surface area, or at intravenous doses as high as 160 mg/kg/day corresponding to 1.9 times the highest recommended human dose based upon relative body surface area. The oral dose of 810 mg/kg/day to rats caused decreased fetal body weight and increased fetal mortality. No teratogenicity was observed when rabbits were dosed orally as high as 50 mg/kg/day which corresponds to 1.1 times the highest recommended human dose based upon relative body surface area, or when dosed intravenously as high as 25 mg/kg/day, corresponding to 0.5 times the highest recommended human dose based upon relative body surface area. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Levofloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

    8.3 Nursing Mothers Based on data on other fluoroquinolones and very limited data on levofloxacin, it can be presumed that levofloxacin will be excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from levofloxacin in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE In the event of an acute overdosage, the stomach should be emptied. The patient should be observed and appropriate hydration maintained. Levofloxacin is not efficiently removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Levofloxacin exhibits a low potential for acute toxicity. Mice, rats, dogs and monkeys exhibited the following clinical signs after receiving a single high dose of levofloxacin: ataxia, ptosis, decreased locomotor activity, dyspnea, prostration, tremors, and convulsions. Doses in excess of 1,500 mg/kg orally and 250 mg/kg IV produced significant mortality in rodents.

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.3 Levofloxacin Injection Pre-Mixed Solution, Single-Dose in Flexible Container Levofloxacin in 5% Dextrose Injection is supplied as a single-dose, premixed solution in flexible containers. Each bag contains a dilute solution with the equivalent of 250, 500, or 750 mg of levofloxacin, respectively, in 5% Dextrose (D 5 W). 250 mg/50 mL (5 mg/mL) 50 mL filled in a 100 mL Single-Dose flexible container. 24 bags per carton NDC 55150-243-46 500 mg/100 mL (5 mg/mL) 100 mL filled in a 100 mL Single-Dose flexible container. 24 bags per carton NDC 55150-244-47 750 mg/150 mL (5 mg/mL) 150 mL filled in a 200 mL Single-Dose flexible container. 24 bags per carton NDC 55150-245-52 Levofloxacin Injection Premix in Flexible Containers should be stored at or below 25°C (77°F); however, brief exposure up to 40°C (104°F) does not adversely affect the product. Avoid excessive heat and protect from freezing and light. Keep out of reach of children.

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.