Llevofloxacin
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Levofloxacin
- Brand Names
- Levofloxacin
- Drug Class
- Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial [EPC]
- Route
- ORAL
- Dosage Form
- TABLET, FILM COATED
- 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 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 ), 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 ) 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 )], 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 )].
Description
11 DESCRIPTION Levofloxacin tablets are synthetic antibacterial agents for oral 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 Its molecular formula is C 18 H 20 FN 3 O 4
What Is Llevofloxacin Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial indicated in adults (18 years of age and older) with infections caused by designated, susceptible bacteria and in pediatric patients where indicated ( 1 , 12.4 ). Pneumonia: Nosocomial ( 1.1 ) and Community Acquired ( 1.2 , 1.3 ) Skin and Skin Structure Infections (SSSI): Complicated ( 1.4 ) and Uncomplicated ( 1.5 ) Chronic bacterial prostatitis ( 1.6 ) Inhalational Anthrax, Post-Exposure in adult and pediatric patients ( 1.7 ) Plague in adult and pediatric patients ( 1.8 ) Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): 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 tablet is indicated in adult patients 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 tablet is indicated in adult patients 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 tablet is indicated in adult patients 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 )]. 1.4 Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections Levofloxacin tablet is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus...
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer levofloxacin tablets to pediatric patients weighing 30 kg and greater only ( 2.1 , 2.2 ). Levofloxacin tablets cannot be administered to pediatric patients who weigh less than 30 kg because of the limitations of the available strengths. Alternative formulations of levofloxacin may be considered for pediatric patients who weigh less than 30 kg ( 2.2 ). Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Creatinine Clearance greater than or equal to 50 mL/minute ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) 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 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 or greater 500 mg 60 Pediatric Patients 30 kg to less than 50 kg (2.2) 250 mg every 12 hours 60 Plague ( 1.8 ) Adults and Pediatric Patients 50 kg or greater 500 mg 10 to 14 Pediatric Patients 30 kg to less than 50 kg (2.2) 250 mg every 12 hours 10 to 14 Complicated UTI ( 1.9 ) or Acute Pyelonephritis ( 1.11 ) 750 mg 5 Complicated UTI ( 1.10 ) or Acute Pyelonephritis ( 1.11 ) 250 mg 10 Uncomplicated UTI ( 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 less than 50 mL/minute ( 2.3 , 8.6 , 12.3 ) 2.1 Dosage of Levofloxacin Tablets in Adult Patients with Creatinine Clearance ≥ 50 mL/minute The usual dose of levofloxacin tablets is 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg administered orally every 24 hours, as indicated by infection and described in Table 1. These recommendations apply to patients with creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/minute. For patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min, adjustments to the dosing regimen are required [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . Table 1 Dosage of Levofloxacin Tablets in Adult Patients with Creatinine Clearance greater than or equal to 50 mL/minute * Due to the designated pathogens [see Indications and Usage ( 1 )] . † Sequential therapy (intravenous levofloxacin to oral levofloxacin tablets) may be instituted at the discretion of the healthcare provider. ‡ 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,...
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 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 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 )] 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 )]. The most common reactions (≥ 3%) were nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, constipation and dizziness ( 6.2 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-304-5011 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 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 7,537 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 nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, constipation, and dizziness. Table4 Common ( ≥ 1%) Adverse Reactions Reported in Clinical Trials with Levofloxacin # * N = 7,274 † N=3,758 (women) # pool of studies included IV and oral administration...
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Interacting Drug Interaction Multivalent cation-containing products including antacids, metal cations or didanosine Absorption of levofloxacin is decreased when the tablets are taken within 2 hours of these products. ( 2.4 , 7.1 ) Warfarin Effect may be enhanced. Monitor prothrombin time, INR and watch for bleeding ( 7.2 ) Antidiabetic agents Carefully monitor blood glucose ( 5.13 , 7.3 ) 7.1 Chelation Agents: Antacids, Sucralfate, Metal Cations, Multivitamins While the chelation by divalent cations is less marked than with other fluoroquinolones, concurrent administration of levofloxacin tablets with antacids containing magnesium, or aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin preparations with zinc may interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of levofloxacin, resulting in systemic levels considerably lower than desired. Tablets with antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamins preparations with zinc or didanosine may substantially interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of levofloxacin, resulting in systemic levels considerably lower than desired. These agents should be taken at least two hours before or two hours after oral levofloxacin administration. 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 post-marketing 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 ) and 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 ) and 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...
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin or other quinolones ( 4 , 5.7 ) Levofloxacin tablet is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, or other quinolone antibacterials [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Published information from case reports, case control studies and observational studies on levofloxacin administered during pregnancy have not identified any drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of levofloxacin to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 9.4 times and 1.1 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively, did not result in teratogenicity. Fetal toxicity was seen in the rat study, but was absent at doses up to 1.2 times the maximum recommended human dose (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Levofloxacin was not teratogenic in an embryofetal development study in rats treated during organogenesis with oral doses as high as 810 mg/kg/day which corresponds to 9.4 times the MRHD (based upon doses normalized for total body surface area). The oral dose of 810 mg/kg/day (high dose) to rats caused decreased fetal body weight and increased fetal mortality that was not seen at the next lower dose (mid-dose, 90 mg/kg/day, equivalent to 1.2 times the MRHD (based upon doses normalized for total body surface area). Maternal toxicity was limited to lower weight gain in the mid and high dose groups. No teratogenicity was observed in an embryofetal development study in rabbits dosed orally during organogenesis with doses as high as 50 mg/kg/day, which corresponds to 1.1 times the MRHD (based upon doses normalized for total body surface area). Maternal toxicity at that dose consisted of lower weight gain and decreased food consumption...
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Published literature reports that levofloxacin is present in human milk following intravenous and oral administration (see Data). There is no information regarding effects of levofloxacin on milk production or the breastfed infant. Because of the potential risks of serious adverse reactions, in breastfed infants, for most indications, a lactating woman may consider pumping and discarding breast milk during treatment with levofloxacin and an additional two days (five half-lives) after the last dose. Alternatively, advise a lactating woman that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with levofloxacin and for an additional two days (five half-lives) after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . However, for inhalation anthrax (post exposure), during an incident resulting in exposure to anthrax, the risk-benefit assessment of continuing breastfeeding while the mother (and potentially the infant) is (are) on levofloxacin may be acceptable [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Pediatric Use (8.4), and Clinical Studies (14.2)]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for levofloxacin and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from levofloxacin or from the underlying maternal condition. Data A published literature reports that peak levofloxacin human milk concentration was 8.2 mg/L at 5 hours after dosing in a...
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 (approximately 10 or 19 times MRHD in mice and rats, respectively) and 250 mg/kg IV produced significant mortality (estimated to be greater than or equal to 50%) in rodents.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Levofloxacin Tablets USP, 750 mg are white to off white, modified capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with logo of 'ZC57' on one side and plain on other side and are supplied as follows: Bottle of 7 Tablets: NDC 80425-0388-01 Bottle of 14 Tablets: NDC 80425-0388-02 Storage Store at 20°C to 25° C (68°F to 77° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a well closed container as described in the USP.
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.