Levofloxacin-zdorovya
Ukraine
Table of Contents
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDICAL USE of the medicinal product LEVOFLOXACIN-ZDOROV'YA (LEVOFLOXACIN-ZDOROV'YE)
Composition:
Active substance: levofloxacin;
1 tablet contains levofloxacin hemihydrate equivalent to 250 mg or 500 mg of levofloxacin;
Excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, sodium croscarmellose, talc, crospovidone, titanium dioxide (E 171), tartrazine (E 102).
Pharmaceutical form. Film-coated tablets.
Main physico-chemical properties: film-coated tablets of light yellow to yellow color, with a biconvex surface. Two layers are visible in cross-section.
Pharmacotherapeutic group. Antibacterial agents of the quinolone group. Fluoroquinolones. Levofloxacin. ATC code J01MA12.
Pharmacological properties.
Pharmacodynamics. Levofloxacin is a synthetic antibacterial agent from the group of fluoroquinolones and is the S(-) enantiomer of the racemic mixture of the drug ofloxacin.
Mechanism of action. As a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent, levofloxacin acts on the DNA-DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV complexes.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship. The degree of antibacterial activity of levofloxacin depends on the ratio of the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) or the area under the pharmacokinetic curve (AUC) to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
Mechanism of resistance. Resistance to levofloxacin develops through a stepwise process of mutations in the target sites of both types of type II topoisomerases, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Other resistance mechanisms, such as reduced permeability (common in Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and efflux mechanisms, may also affect susceptibility to levofloxacin.
Cross-resistance has been demonstrated between levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones. Due to its mechanism of action, cross-resistance between levofloxacin and other classes of antibacterial agents is generally not observed.
Clinical breakpoints. The clinical breakpoints for MIC of levofloxacin recommended by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST), which distinguish susceptible microorganisms from those with intermediate susceptibility, and microorganisms with intermediate susceptibility from resistant ones, are presented in the table below for MIC testing (mg/L).
EUCAST clinical MIC breakpoints for levofloxacin (version 10.0, 2020-01-01):
| Pathogen |
Susceptible |
Resistant |
| Enterobacteriaceae |
≤0.5 mg/l |
>1 mg/l |
| Pseudomonas spp. |
≤0.001 mg/l |
>1 mg/l |
| Acinetobacter spp. |
≤0.5 mg/l |
>1 mg/l |
| Staphylococcus aureus Coagulase-negative staphylococci |
≤0.001 mg/l |
>1 mg/l |
| Enterococcus spp.1 |
≤4 mg/l |
>4 mg/l |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae |
≤0.001 mg/l |
>2 mg/l |
| Streptococci groups A, B, C and G |
≤0.001 mg/l |
>2 mg/l |
| Haemophilus influenzae |
≤0.06 mg/l |
>0.06 mg/l |
| Moraxella catarrhalis |
≤0.125 mg/l |
>0.125 mg/l |
| Helicobacter pylori |
≤1 mg/l |
>1 mg/l |
| Aerococcus sanguinicola and urinae2 |
≤2 mg/l |
>2 mg/l |
| Aeromonas spp. |
≤0.5 mg/l |
>1 mg/l |
| Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) breakpoints (non-species related) |
≤0.5 mg/l |
>1 mg/l |
|
||
The prevalence of resistance may vary geographically and over time for individual species, and it is desirable to obtain local information on microbial resistance, especially when treating severe infections. When necessary, advice from a specialist should be sought if local resistance prevalence is such that the benefit of the drug, at least for some types of infections, is questionable.
| Commonly susceptible species Aerobic gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-susceptible, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococci groups C and G, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes. Aerobic gram-negative bacteria: Eikenella corrodens, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus para-influenzae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pasteurella multocida, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri. Anaerobic bacteria: Peptostreptococcus. Others: Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum. Intermediately susceptible species (acquired resistance >10%) Aerobic gram-positive bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant*, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. Aerobic gram-negative bacteria: Acinetobacter baumannii, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens. Anaerobic bacteria: Bacteroides fragilis. Naturally resistant strains Aerobic gram-positive bacteria: Enterococcus faecium. |
*Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is highly likely to exhibit co-resistance to fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin.
Pharmacokinetics.
Absorption. When administered orally, levofloxacin is rapidly and almost completely absorbed; peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1–2 hours. Absolute bioavailability is 99–100%.
Food has minimal effect on the absorption of levofloxacin.
Steady state is achieved within 48 hours with a dosing regimen of 500 mg once or twice daily.
Distribution. Approximately 30–40% of levofloxacin is bound to serum proteins. The mean volume of distribution of levofloxacin is approximately 100 L after single and repeated 500 mg doses, indicating extensive tissue distribution throughout the body.
Penetration into tissues and body fluids. Penetration of levofloxacin has been demonstrated into bronchial mucosa, bronchial secretions, lung tissue, alveolar macrophages, lung parenchyma, skin (blister fluid), prostate tissue, and urine. However, levofloxacin penetrates poorly into cerebrospinal fluid.
Biotransformation. Levofloxacin undergoes minimal metabolism. The metabolites are desmethyl-levofloxacin and levofloxacin N-oxide. These metabolites account for <5% of the administered dose and are excreted in urine. Levofloxacin is stereochemically stable and does not undergo chiral inversion.
Elimination. After oral and intravenous administration, levofloxacin is eliminated from plasma relatively slowly (elimination half-life (t½) is 6–8 hours). It is primarily excreted by the kidneys (>85% of the administered dose).
Mean total clearance of levofloxacin after a single 500 mg dose was 175 ± 29.2 mL/min.
There is no significant difference in the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin after intravenous and oral administration, indicating interchangeability of these routes.
Linearity. Levofloxacin exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over the range of 50–1000 mg.
Patients with renal impairment. The pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin are affected by the degree of renal impairment. With declining renal function, renal excretion and clearance decrease, and elimination half-life increases, as shown in the table below.
Pharmacokinetics in renal impairment after a single oral 500 mg dose:
| Creatinine clearance (mL/min) |
<20 |
20-49 |
50-80 |
| Renal clearance (mL/min) |
13 |
26 |
57 |
| Elimination half-life (hours) |
35 |
27 |
9 |
Geriatric patients. There are no significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin in younger and elderly patients, except for differences related to creatinine clearance.
Gender differences. Separate analysis of female and male patients demonstrated minor differences in the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin depending on gender. There is no evidence that these gender differences are clinically significant.
Clinical characteristics.
Indications. The medicinal product is indicated in adults for the treatment of the following infections:
• Acute pyelonephritis and complicated urinary tract infections.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
• Inhalational anthrax: post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment.
The medicinal product should be used for the following infections only when it is considered inappropriate to use antibacterial agents usually recommended for the treatment of these infections.
- Acute bacterial sinusitis.
• Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including bronchitis.
• Community-acquired pneumonia.
• Complicated skin and soft tissue infections. - Uncomplicated cystitis.
The medicinal product may also be used to complete the course of therapy in patients who have shown improvement during initial intravenous levofloxacin treatment.
Official recommendations on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents should be taken into account.
Contraindications. Hypersensitivity to levofloxacin/other quinolones or excipients, epilepsy, history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration. Do not use in children or adolescents during growth period, as well as in women during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction.
Effect of other medicinal products on levofloxacin
Iron salts, zinc salts, antacids containing magnesium and aluminium, didanosine. Absorption of levofloxacin is significantly reduced when administered concomitantly with iron salts or antacids containing magnesium or aluminium, or didanosine (only formulations containing aluminium or magnesium buffering agents). Concomitant administration of fluoroquinolones with multivitamins containing zinc leads to reduced oral absorption. It is not recommended to take products containing divalent or trivalent cations, such as iron salts, zinc salts, antacids containing magnesium or aluminium, or didanosine (only for didanosine formulations containing aluminium or magnesium buffering agents), within 2 hours before/after administration of levofloxacin tablets (see section "Dosage and administration"). Calcium salts had minimal effect on the oral absorption of levofloxacin.
Sucralfate. Bioavailability of levofloxacin is significantly reduced when administered concomitantly with sucralfate. If a patient needs to receive both sucralfate and levofloxacin, it is preferable to take sucralfate 2 hours after levofloxacin administration (see section "Dosage and administration").
Theophylline, fenbufen or similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. No pharmacokinetic interaction between levofloxacin and theophylline has been observed. However, a significant reduction in the cerebral seizure threshold may occur with concomitant administration of quinolones with theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other agents that reduce the seizure threshold. Levofloxacin concentration in the presence of fenbufen was approximately 13% higher than with levofloxacin alone.
Probenecid and cimetidine. Probenecid and cimetidine have a statistically significant effect on levofloxacin elimination. Renal clearance of levofloxacin is reduced in the presence of cimetidine (24%) and probenecid (34%). This occurs because both drugs can block tubular secretion of levofloxacin. Nevertheless, statistically significant kinetic differences are unlikely to have clinical significance. Levofloxacin should be prescribed with caution concomitantly with drugs affecting tubular secretion, such as probenecid and cimetidine, especially in patients with renal impairment.
Other significant information. It is known that no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin was caused by co-administration with calcium carbonate, digoxin, glyburide, ranitidine.
Effect of levofloxacin on other medicinal products
Cyclosporine. The half-life of cyclosporine increases by 33% when administered concomitantly with levofloxacin.
Vitamin K antagonists. Increased coagulation test values (INR/PT) and/or bleeding, which may be severe, have been reported with concomitant use of vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin). Therefore, coagulation parameters should be monitored in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists concomitantly (see section "Special precautions for use").
Medicinal products that prolong the QT interval. Levofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, should be used with caution in patients receiving medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval (e.g., class IA and III antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, and antipsychotics) (see section "Special precautions for use").
Other significant information. No effect of levofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline (a marker substrate for CYP1A2 enzyme) was observed, indicating that levofloxacin is not a CYP1A2 inhibitor.
Other types of interactions
Food. No clinically significant interaction with food has been observed. Therefore, the medicinal product can be taken regardless of food intake.
Special precautions for use. Avoid using the medicinal product in patients who have previously experienced serious adverse reactions to quinolones and fluoroquinolones. Treatment of such patients with levofloxacin should be initiated only if no alternative treatment options are available and after careful benefit/risk assessment.
Resistance risks. For methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), there is a very high likelihood of co-resistance to fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin. Therefore, levofloxacin is not recommended for the treatment of infections where MRSA is known or suspected, except in cases where laboratory test results confirm susceptibility of the pathogen to levofloxacin (and use of standard antibacterial agents for MRSA infections is considered inappropriate).
Levofloxacin may be used for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis and exacerbation of chronic bronchitis if these infections have been appropriately diagnosed.
Resistance to fluoroquinolones in Escherichia coli (the most common cause of urinary tract infections) varies in different countries. Local prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance in Escherichia coli should be considered when prescribing fluoroquinolones.
Inhalational anthrax. For inhalational anthrax, use is based on in vitro susceptibility data of Bacillus anthracis and experimental animal data, as well as limited human use data. Physicians should consider national and/or international agreed recommendations for the treatment of anthrax.
Prolonged, disabling, and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions. In very rare cases, patients receiving quinolones and fluoroquinolones, regardless of age and presence of risk factors, have experienced prolonged (lasting several months or years), disabling, and potentially irreversible adverse reactions affecting various body systems (including musculoskeletal, nervous, psychiatric, and sensory organs). If the first signs or symptoms of any adverse reaction occur, the medicinal product should be discontinued immediately and medical advice should be sought.
Tendinitis and tendon rupture. Tendinitis and tendon rupture (particularly, but not limited to, Achilles tendon), sometimes bilateral, may occur within 48 hours of starting levofloxacin treatment and even several months after discontinuation of levofloxacin. The risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in elderly patients, patients with renal impairment, patients with transplanted organs, and patients taking corticosteroids. Therefore, concomitant use of corticosteroids should be avoided. At the first signs of tendinitis (e.g., painful swelling, inflammation), levofloxacin should be discontinued and alternative therapy considered. Appropriate treatment of the affected limb(s) (e.g., immobilization) is required. Corticosteroids should not be used if signs of tendinopathy appear.
Myoclonus. Cases of myoclonus have been reported in patients taking levofloxacin (see section "Adverse reactions"). The risk of developing myoclonus is increased in elderly patients and in patients with renal impairment if the levofloxacin dose is not adjusted according to creatinine clearance. Levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately at the first sign of myoclonus and appropriate treatment initiated.
Clostridium difficile-associated disease. Diarrhea, especially severe, persistent, and/or hemorrhagic, during or after treatment with the medicinal product (including several weeks after treatment) may be a symptom of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD). CDAD may vary in severity from mild to life-threatening; the most severe form is pseudomembranous colitis (see section "Adverse reactions"). Therefore, this diagnosis should be considered in patients who develop severe diarrhea during or after levofloxacin treatment. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, the medicinal product should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated without delay. Antiperistaltic medicinal products are contraindicated in this clinical situation.
Patients predisposed to seizures. Quinolones may lower the seizure threshold and provoke seizures. Levofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a history of epilepsy (see section "Contraindications") and, like other quinolones, should be used with extreme caution in patients predisposed to seizures, or when used concomitantly with active substances that lower the seizure threshold, such as theophylline. In case of seizure attacks (see section "Adverse reactions"), levofloxacin treatment should be discontinued.
Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Patients with latent or manifest deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity may be susceptible to hemolytic reactions during treatment with quinolone antibacterial agents. Therefore, if levofloxacin is to be used in these patients, monitoring for possible hemolysis should be performed.
Patients with renal impairment. Since levofloxacin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, the dose of the medicinal product should be adjusted in patients with impaired renal function.
Hypersensitivity reactions. Levofloxacin may cause serious, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema up to anaphylactic shock), sometimes after administration of the first dose. In such cases, patients should discontinue treatment immediately and seek medical advice or call emergency services for appropriate emergency measures.
Severe skin adverse reactions. Development of severe skin adverse reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN, also known as Lyell's syndrome), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may be life-threatening or fatal, has been reported. Patients should be warned about signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions and closely monitored. If such signs and symptoms appear, levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy considered. If a patient develops a serious reaction such as SJS, TEN, or DRESS during levofloxacin use, levofloxacin treatment should never be restarted in this patient.
Blood glucose level changes. Alterations in blood glucose levels (including both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia) have been reported with quinolone use, particularly in diabetic patients receiving concomitant oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., glyburide) or insulin. Cases of hypoglycemic coma have been reported. Blood glucose levels should be monitored in diabetic patients.
If glycemic control is disturbed, levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately and alternative non-fluoroquinolone antibacterial therapy initiated.
Phototoxicity prevention. Cases of photosensitivity have been reported with levofloxacin use. To prevent phototoxicity, patients are advised to avoid exposure to strong sunlight or irradiation with artificial UV sources (e.g., UV lamps, tanning beds) during treatment and for 48 hours after discontinuation of levofloxacin.
Patients receiving vitamin K antagonists. Due to possible increased coagulation test values (INR/PT) and/or bleeding in patients taking levofloxacin in combination with a vitamin K antagonist (e.g., warfarin), coagulation tests should be monitored if these medicinal products are used concomitantly.
Psychotic reactions. Psychotic reactions have been reported in patients taking quinolones, including levofloxacin. In very rare cases, these progressed to suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behavior, sometimes after a single dose of levofloxacin. At the first signs or symptoms of such reactions, patients should discontinue levofloxacin immediately and consult their physician. In such cases, alternative non-fluoroquinolone therapy is recommended, along with appropriate measures. Levofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with psychotic disorders or a history of psychiatric illness.
QT interval prolongation. Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, should be used with caution in patients with known risk factors for QT interval prolongation, such as:
- congenital long QT syndrome;
- concomitant use of medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval (e.g., class IA and III antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotics);
- uncorrected electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia);
- heart disease (e.g., heart failure, myocardial infarction, bradycardia).
Elderly patients and women may be more sensitive to medicinal products that prolong the QT interval; therefore, caution is required when using fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, in these populations.
Peripheral neuropathies. Cases of sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy leading to paresthesia, hypoesthesia, dysesthesia, or weakness have been reported in patients receiving quinolones and fluoroquinolones. Patients taking levofloxacin should inform their physician before continuing treatment if symptoms of neuropathy such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness develop, to prevent progression to potentially irreversible conditions.
Hepatobiliary disorders. Cases of necrotizing hepatitis up to fatal hepatic failure have been reported with levofloxacin use, primarily in patients with severe underlying conditions, such as sepsis (see section "Adverse reactions"). Patients should be advised to discontinue treatment and consult a physician if symptoms and signs of liver disease such as anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, pruritus, or abdominal pain occur.
Exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, block neuromuscular transmission and may provoke muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Serious adverse reactions identified in the post-marketing period, including fatal cases and need for respiratory support, have been associated with fluoroquinolone use in patients with myasthenia gravis. Levofloxacin is not recommended for use in patients with a history of myasthenia gravis.
Visual disorders. If vision is impaired or any ocular effects occur, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately (see sections "Ability to affect reaction speed when driving or operating machinery" and "Adverse reactions").
Superinfection. Use of levofloxacin, especially prolonged use, may lead to overgrowth of resistant microorganisms. If superinfection develops during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Effect on laboratory tests. In patients receiving levofloxacin, urine opiate screening may yield false-positive results. Confirmation of positive opiate test results using more specific methods may be necessary.
Levofloxacin may inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and thus lead to false-negative results in bacteriological diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Aortic aneurysm and dissection, and cardiac valve regurgitation/insufficiency. Data suggest an increased risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection, particularly in elderly patients, and aortic and mitral valve regurgitation/insufficiency following fluoroquinolone use. Cases of aortic aneurysm and dissection, sometimes complicated by rupture (including fatal cases), and regurgitation/insufficiency of any cardiac valve have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones (see section "Adverse reactions").
Therefore, fluoroquinolones should be used only after careful benefit/risk assessment and consideration of alternative therapies in patients with a family history of aneurysm or congenital heart valve defects, or patients diagnosed with aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection, or with heart valve disease, or with other risk factors or predisposing conditions
- for both aortic aneurysm and dissection and cardiac valve regurgitation/insufficiency (e.g., connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Turner syndrome, Behçet's disease, arterial hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis), or additionally
- for aortic aneurysm and dissection (e.g., vascular disorders such as Takayasu arteritis or giant cell arteritis, or known atherosclerosis, or Sjögren's syndrome), or additionally
- for cardiac valve regurgitation/insufficiency (e.g., infective endocarditis). The risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection and their rupture may be increased in patients receiving systemic corticosteroids concomitantly.
In case of sudden abdominal, chest, or back pain, patients should seek immediate medical attention at an emergency department.
Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical help if acute dyspnea, new onset of palpitations, or development of abdominal or lower limb edema occurs.
Acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis may occur in patients taking levofloxacin. Patients should be informed about the typical symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Patients who develop nausea, malaise, abdominal discomfort, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting should be examined immediately. If acute pancreatitis is suspected, levofloxacin should be discontinued; if the diagnosis is confirmed, levofloxacin should not be restarted. Caution is required when treating patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Blood disorders. Bone marrow suppression, including leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, or agranulocytosis, may develop during levofloxacin treatment (see section "Adverse reactions"). If any of these disorders is suspected, blood test results should be monitored. If abnormal results are obtained, discontinuation of levofloxacin therapy should be considered.
Excipients. Tartrazine (E 102), included in the medicinal product, may cause allergic reactions.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy. Data on the use of levofloxacin in pregnant women are limited.
Animal studies do not indicate a direct or indirect harmful effect regarding reproductive toxicity. However, due to the lack of human studies and experimental data indicating the risk of fluoroquinolone-induced damage to the joint cartilage of the growing organism, levofloxacin should not be administered to pregnant women (see section "Contraindications").
Breastfeeding. Levofloxacin is contraindicated in women who are breastfeeding. Information on the penetration of levofloxacin into breast milk is insufficient, although other fluoroquinolones are excreted in breast milk. Due to the lack of human studies and experimental data indicating possible fluoroquinolone-induced damage to the joint cartilage of the growing organism, levofloxacin should not be administered to women who are breastfeeding (see section "Contraindications").
Fertility. It is known that levofloxacin did not cause fertility or reproductive function disorders in rats.
Ability to affect reaction speed when driving or operating machinery. The medicinal product has a negligible or moderate effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery. Some adverse reactions (e.g., dizziness/vertigo, somnolence, visual disturbances) may impair the patient's ability to concentrate and reaction speed, thus increasing the risk in situations where these abilities are of particular importance (e.g., driving a car or operating machinery).
Dosage and administration. The medicinal product should be taken once or twice daily. The dose depends on the type, severity of infection, and susceptibility of the likely pathogen.
The medicinal product may also be used to complete the course of therapy in patients who have shown improvement during initial intravenous levofloxacin treatment; considering the bioequivalence of parenteral and oral forms, the same dosage can be used.
Dosage. The following dosage recommendations may be provided for the medicinal product:
Dosing in patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance >50 ml/min).
| Indications |
Daily dose (depending on severity) |
Duration of treatment (depending on severity) |
| Acute bacterial sinusitis |
500 mg once daily |
10-14 days |
| Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including bronchitis |
500 mg once daily |
7-10 days |
| Community-acquired pneumonia |
500 mg 1-2 times daily |
7-14 days |
| Acute pyelonephritis |
500 mg once daily |
7-10 days |
| Complicated urinary tract infections |
500 mg once daily |
7-14 days |
| Uncomplicated cystitis |
250 mg once daily |
3 days |
| Chronic bacterial prostatitis |
500 mg once daily |
28 days |
| Complicated skin and soft tissue infections |
500 mg 1-2 times daily |
7-14 days |
| Pulmonary form of anthrax |
500 mg once daily |
8 weeks |
Special populations.
Renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤50 ml/min).
| Dosing regimen |
|||
| 250 mg/24 hours |
500 mg/24 hours |
500 mg/12 hours |
|
| Creatinine clearance |
initial dose: 250 mg |
initial dose: 500 mg |
initial dose: 500 mg |
| 50–20 mL/min |
subsequent: 125–250 mg/ 24 hours |
subsequent: 250 mg/ 24 hours |
subsequent: 250 mg/12 hours |
| 19–10 mL/min |
subsequent: 125–250 mg/48 hours |
subsequent: 125–250 mg/ 24 hours |
subsequent: 125–250 mg/12 hours |
| <10 mL/min (including hemodialysis and CAPD)1 |
subsequent: 125–250 mg/48 hours |
subsequent: 125–250 mg/ 24 hours |
subsequent: 125–250 mg/24 hours |
1After hemodialysis or chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), additional doses are not required.
2Since the tablet is not scored, in cases where a dose less than 250 mg is prescribed, levofloxacin formulations allowing such dosing should be used.
Hepatic impairment. Dose adjustment is not required, as levofloxacin is minimally metabolized in the liver and is primarily excreted by the kidneys.
Elderly patients. If renal function is normal, no dose adjustment is necessary (see section "Special instructions").
Administration method. Tablets should be swallowed whole with sufficient fluid. Tablets may be taken during or between meals. The drug should be administered at least 2 hours before or after administration of iron salts, zinc salts, antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, or didanosine (only for didanosine formulations containing aluminum or magnesium buffering agents), and sucralfate, as reduced absorption may occur (see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").
Children. The drug is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age.
Overdose. According to toxicity studies in animals and clinical pharmacological studies conducted with doses higher than therapeutic, the most important signs expected after acute levofloxacin overdose include central nervous system symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, disturbances of consciousness, and seizures, QT interval prolongation, as well as gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and mucosal erosions.
During post-marketing use of levofloxacin, effects on the central nervous system have been observed, including confusion, seizures, myoclonus, hallucinations, and tremor.
In case of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be administered. ECG monitoring is necessary due to the potential for QT interval prolongation. Antacids may be used to protect the gastric mucosa. Hemodialysis, including peritoneal dialysis and CAPD, is not effective in removing levofloxacin from the body. There are no specific antidotes.
Adverse reactions.
The information provided below is based on data from clinical studies in over 8300 patients and extensive post-marketing experience with levofloxacin.
Frequency is defined according to the following convention: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100, <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1000, <1/100), rare (≥1/10000, <1/1000), very rare (<1/10000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are listed in order of decreasing severity:
| System Organ Class |
Common (≥1/100, <1/10) |
Uncommon (≥1/1000, <1/100) |
Rare (≥1/10000, <1/1000) |
Not known (cannot be estimated from available data) |
| Infections and infestations |
Fungal infection, including infection caused by Candida species Pathogen resistance |
|||
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders |
Leukopenia, Eosinophilia |
Thrombocytopenia Neutropenia |
Bone marrow failure, including aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia |
|
| Immune system disorders |
Angioedema Hypersensitivity |
Anaphylactic shock Anaphylactoid shock |
||
| Endocrine disorders |
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion |
|||
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders |
Anorexia |
Hypoglycemia, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus Hypoglycemic coma |
Hypoglycemia |
|
| Psychiatric disorders* |
Insomnia |
Anxiety Confusion, Nervousness |
Psychotic reactions (e.g., with hallucinations, paranoia) Depression Agitation Unusual dreams Nightmares Delirium |
Psychotic reactions with self-harming behavior, including suicidal ideation or actions Mania |
| Nervous system disorders* |
Headache Dizziness |
Somnolence Tremor Dysgeusia |
Seizures Paraesthesia Memory impairment |
Peripheral sensory neuropathy Peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy Parosmia, including anosmia Dyskinesia Extrapyramidal disorders Ageusia Syncope Benign intracranial hypertension Myoclonus |
| Eye disorders* |
Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision |
Transient loss of vision Uveitis |
||
| Ear and labyrinth disorders* |
Vertigo |
Tinnitus |
Hearing loss Hearing impairment |
|
| Cardiac disorders** |
Tachycardia Palpitations |
Ventricular tachycardia, which may lead to cardiac arrest Ventricular arrhythmia and torsades de pointes (reported predominantly in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation) QT interval prolongation on ECG |
||
| Vascular disorders** |
Hypotension |
|||
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Dyspnea |
Bronchospasm Allergic pneumonitis |
||
| Gastrointestinal disorders |
Diarrhea Vomiting Nausea |
Abdominal pain Dyspepsia Abdominal distension Constipation |
Hemorrhagic diarrhea, which in very rare cases may indicate enterocolitis, including pseudomembranous colitis Pancreatitis |
|
| Hepatobiliary disorders |
Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST, alkaline phosphatase, GGT) |
Elevated blood bilirubin |
Jaundice and severe liver injury, including cases of fatal acute liver failure, primarily in patients with severe underlying conditions Hepatitis |
|
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Rash Pruritus Urticaria Hyperhidrosis |
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), drug-induced dermatitis |
Toxic epidermal necrolysis Stevens-Johnson syndrome Multiform erythema Photosensitivity reactions Leukocytoclastic Stomatitis Skin hyperpigmentation |
|
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders* |
Arthralgia Myalgia |
Tendon disorders, including tendinitis (e.g., Achilles tendon) Muscle weakness, which may be significant in patients with myasthenia gravis |
Rhabdomyolysis Tendon rupture (e.g., Achilles tendon) Ligament rupture Muscle rupture Arthritis |
|
| Renal and urinary disorders |
Increased serum creatinine |
Acute renal failure (e.g., due to interstitial nephritis) |
||
| General disorders and administration site conditions* |
Asthenia |
Pyrexia |
Pain (including back, chest and limb pain) |
a Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions may sometimes occur even after the first dose.
b Skin and mucous membrane reactions may sometimes occur even after the first dose.
* In patients who have received quinolones and fluoroquinolones, very rare cases of prolonged (several months or years) disability and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions affecting various body systems have been reported. Such reactions include tendinitis, tendon rupture, arthralgia, limb pain, gait disturbances, neuropathies with concomitant paresthesia and neuralgia, fatigue, psychiatric symptoms (including sleep disturbances, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts), memory and concentration impairment, as well as disturbances in hearing, vision, taste, and smell. In some cases, these reactions occurred in patients without risk factors (see section "Special precautions for use").
** In patients receiving fluoroquinolones, cases of aneurysm and aortic dissection, sometimes complicated by rupture (including fatal cases), and regurgitation/insufficiency of any cardiac valve have been reported (see section "Special precautions for use").
Other adverse reactions associated with fluoroquinolone use:
- Porphyria attacks in patients with porphyria.
Shelf life. 3 years.
Storage conditions. Store in the original packaging at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C.
Keep out of reach of children.
Packaging. 250 mg tablets, pack of 10 in a blister pack in a box or 500 mg, pack of 7, pack of 10 in a blister pack in a box.
Prescription status. Prescription only.
Manufacturer. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY "CORPORATION "ZDOROVIYA".
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY "FARMEKS GROUP".
Manufacturer's address and place of business. Ukraine, 61013, Kharkiv region, city of Kharkiv, Shevchenka Street, building 22.
(LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY "CORPORATION "ZDOROVIYA")
Ukraine, 08301, Kyiv region, city of Boryspil, Shevchenka Street, building 00.
(Limited Liability Company "FARMEKS GROUP")