Generic

Levofloxacin

Indications

Eye drops containing levofloxacin are used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis caused by sensitive strains of the following bacteria:

• Corynebacterium species are Gram-positive bacteria that live in an aerobic environment.
• Staphylococcus oureus is a kind of bacteria.
• Staphylococcus epidermidis is a kind of bacteria that causes skin infections.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae is a kind of bacteria that causes pneumonia.
• Streptococcus (C/F Groups)
• Streptococcus mutans (Group G)
• Streptococcus viridons viridons viridons viridons viridons
• Acinetobocter Iwoffii Gram-Negative Bacteria Haemophilus influenzae
• Serrotia morcescens is a kind of Serrotia morcescens.

Other ocular infections that can be treated with levofloxacin include bacterial corneal ulcers, blepharitis, hordeolum, and perioperative conditions.

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 use of several quinolones has been demonstrated 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 take 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 less than 1% of patients.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Classification C. Only if the possible benefit outweighs the danger to the fetus should levofloxacin be used 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 use may cause non-susceptible organisms, such as fungus, to overgrow. If superinfection arises, stop using it and seek alternate treatment.

Therapeutic Class

Preparations containing four quinolones

Storage Conditions

Keep eye drops away from light, in a cool (15°-25° C) and dry environment, and out of the reach of children.

Pharmaceutical Name

Aristopharma Ltd.