Generic

Levofloxacin

Indications

Levofloxacin eye drops is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following bacteria:

Aerobic Gram-Positive bacteria–

• Corynebacterium species
• Staphylococcus oureus
• Staphylococcus epidermidis
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Streptococcus (Groups C/F)
• Streptococcus (Group G)
• Streptococcus viridons group

Aerobic Gram-Negative bacteria–

• Acinetobocter Iwoffii
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Serrotia morcescens

Levofloxacin also provides a promising treatment for other ocular infections including- Bacterial corneal ulcer, Blepharitis, Hordeolum & Perioperative condition.

Pharmacology

A sterile topical ophthalmic solution, levofloxacin eye drops are used to treat infections in the eyes. It’s a synthetic third-generation fluoroquinolone bactericidal antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative ocular infections. It works by preventing DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase enzymes.

Dosage & Administration

0.5% eye drop: Adults and children 1 year of age and older:

• Days 1 and 2: Instill 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times per day.
• Days 3 through 7: Instill 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 4 hours while awake, up to 4 times per day.

1.5% eye drop: Adults and children 6 years of age and older:

• Days 1 through 3: Instill one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 30 minutes to 2 hours while awake and approximately 4 and 6 hours after retiring.
• Day 4 through treatment completion: Instill one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 1 to 4 hours while awake.

Children <1 year: Safety and effectiveness of Levofloxacin below 1 year of age have not been established.

Interaction

Levofloxacin eye drops have not been subjected to specific medication interaction investigations. However, systemic treatment of certain quinolones has been found to increase plasma theophylline concentrations, interfere with caffeine metabolism, and improve the effects of the anticoagulant warfarin and its derivatives.

Contraindications

Patients having a history of hypersensitivity to Levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any of the medication’s components should not use it.

Side Effects

Transient impaired vision, fever, foreign body sensation, headache, transient ocular burning, ocular pain or discomfort, pharyngitis, and photophobia were experienced by about 1-3 percent of patients. Allergic responses, lid edema, ocular dryness, and ocular irritation occurred in fewer than 1% of patients.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Classification C. Only if the possible benefit outweighs the danger to the fetus should levofloxacin be taken during pregnancy. Human milk has not been tested for levofloxacin. When administering Levofloxacin eye drops to a nursing woman, extreme caution is advised.

Precautions & Warnings

Long-term usage may cause non-susceptible organisms, such as fungus, to overgrow. If superinfection arises, stop using it and seek other treatment.

Therapeutic Class

4-Quinolone preparations

Storage Conditions

Eye drops should be protected from light, store in a cool (15°-25° C) and dry place & keep out of reach of children.

Pharmaceutical Name

ACI Limited