Manufacturer: Cipla, India
Pharmaceutical name: Levofloxacin
Pack: 100 pills (250 mg)
Levoflox contains the active substance Levofloxacin. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. Numerous common infections in humans are due to bacteria. These organisms can proliferate and infect different areas of the body. Medications that inhibit and eliminate these bacteria are referred to as antibiotics. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that halts bacterial growth by interfering with the reproduction and repair of their genetic material, DNA. It belongs to a group of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, which also includes ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, trovafloxacin, and lomefloxacin.
Levoflox is employed to combat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Additionally, Levofloxacin is commonly used to address urinary infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics, as well as prostatitis (prostate infection). Levoflox is also effective against infectious diarrhea brought on by E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Shigella bacteria. Moreover, Levoflox can be used to treat various obstetric infections, such as mastitis (breast infection).
The typical dosage is 250-750 mg administered once daily for a period ranging from 5 to 60 days, depending on the type of infection. It is crucial to take oral forms of the medication at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid or mineral supplement containing iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium, as these can bind to levofloxacin and hinder its absorption into the body.
Iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium may bind to levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones, preventing their absorption from the intestine into the bloodstream. Therefore, products (such as antacids) that include these minerals should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking levofloxacin. Other medications containing these minerals that may similarly interact with levofloxacin include sucralfate and didanosine.
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alongside Levoflox may heighten the risk of CNS stimulation, leading to excessive excitement. There have been instances of fluctuations in blood sugar levels (both increases and decreases) in patients treated with fluoroquinolones and antidiabetic medications. Fluoroquinolones might elevate blood levels of theophylline, cyclosporine, and enhance the effects of warfarin.
Levoflox is not advised for use in pregnant women, as levofloxacin has been shown to cause joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species.