Lequin-500

Generic Name: Levofloxacin

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

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Composition
Lequin-500: Each film coated tablet contains Levofloxacin Hemihydrate USP equivalent to 500 mg Levofloxacin.
Pharmacology
Lequin-500 is a brand name of Levofloxacin, which is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibacterial agent of quinolone group for
oral administration.
Indication
It is used in adult (18 years of age) with mild, moderate & severe infections caused by the pathogens furnished below: Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, H. influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis; Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, H. Influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis; Community-acquired pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections including abscesses, cellulitis, furuncles, impetigo, pyoderma, wound infections- caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes; Complicated urinary tract infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Acute pyelonephritis caused by E. coli; uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by E. coli, Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Dosage & Administration
Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis- 500 mg once daily for 7 days, Community acquired pneumonia- 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days, Acute maxillary sinusitis- 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days, Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infection- 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days, Acute pyelonephritis-250 mg once daily for 10 days, Uncomplicated UTI- 250 mg once daily for 3 days.
It should be avoided in paediatric patients and adolescents (less than 18 years of age) Or as directed by the physician.
Contraindication
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in persons with known history of hypersensitivity to Levofloxacin.
Precaution
Patients should be asked to take plenty of fluid during the course of treatment to avoid high urine concentration. Antacid
containing magnesium or aluminium as well as sucralfate, iron, multivitamin preparation with Zinc, chewable/buffered tablets or
paediatric powder for oral solution should be taken at least two hours before or two hours after Levofloxacin administration,
since these may hamper the absorption of the drug. Phototoxicity reactions have been observed in patients exposed to direct
sunlight. So, patients should be advised to avoid excessive sunlight. Levofloxacin should be taken with caution in patients with
known or suspected CNS disorder that may predispose to seizures.
Side Effects
Although it is well tolerated but sometimes anorexia, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, flatulence, rash, anxiety,
insomnia, constipation, tremor, increased sweating, urticaria have been reported. Rarely phototoxicity has been noted. Some
other side effects like-hallucination, paranoia, depression, nightmare, rarely suicidal thoughts. Abnormality in co-ordination,
dreaming, hepatic function, renal function, vision, agitation, anemia, cardiac arrest, retinal detachment, increased risk of tenditis
and tendon rupture etc. may occur.
Usage in Pregnancy & Lactation
Safety & effectiveness of Levofloxacin in pregnant women & lactating mother have not been established.
Drug Interaction
As with other quinolones, disturbances of blood glucose including symptomatic hyper and hypoglycemia have been reported
usually in diabetic patients receiving concomitant treatment with glyburide or glibenclamide or with insulin. Blood glucose should
be monitored carefully. If hypoglycemic reaction occurs, Levofloxacin should be discontinued & proper measures should be
taken.
Overdose
In case of acute over dose, the patients should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment including monitoring of
renal function. Adequate hydration must be maintained