Medicines & Supplements A to Z > Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin
Last updated on 19/03/2021.
Overview | Dosage | Side Effects | Precautions | Tips | Where To Buy
GENERIC NAME: Levofloxacin
CHINESE NAME: 左氧氟沙星
BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Cravit, Lemed, Levocle, Levofloxacin Sandoz, Levofloxacin Stada, Levofloxacin-Pharmathen-I & C, Levotin, Levoxa, Levoxl
DRUG CLASS: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
USED FOR: Pneumonia and other lung diseases, eye infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections and other bacterial infections
OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Ciprofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin, Prulifloxacin
AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 250mg, 500mg (tablets)
– 0.5% w/v (eye drops)
What is Levofloxacin for?
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections, including but not limited to the following:
– Community-acquired pneumonia
– Local treatment of eye infections
– Acute sinusitis
– Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
– Acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis
– Urinary tract infections
– Chronic prostatitis
– Complicated skin and soft-tissue infections
– Chronic pulmonary infections due to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis
How to use it?
For community-acquired pneumonia
Oral
Adult: 500 mg 1-2 times daily for 7-14 days.
Intravenous infusion
Adult: 500 mg at least over 1 hour 1-2 times daily.
For local treatment of eye infections
To the eye
Adult / Child 1–17 years
Apply every 2 hours for the first 2 days, up to a maximum of 8 times daily, then apply 4 times daily for 3 days.
For acute sinusitis
Oral
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days.
For acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Oral
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 5 days.
For acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis
Oral
Adult: 500 mg 1-2 times a day for 7-14 days.
Intravenous infusion
Adult: 500 mg over at least 1 hour 1-2 times a day.
Oral
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
For uncomplicated urinary-tract infections
Oral
Adult: 250 mg once daily for 3 days.
For chronic prostatitis
Oral
Adult: 500 mg once daily for 28 days.
For complicated skin infections / soft-tissue infections
Oral
Adult: 500 mg 1-2 times daily for 7-14 days.
What are the side effects of Levofloxacin?
Common side effects of Levofloxacin include joint pain, diarrhoea, headache, muscle complaints, nausea and vomiting, irregular heart rhythms, and altered taste. Eye discomfort and eye disorders may also occur associated with the use of eye drops.
Who should not take Levofloxacin?
Anyone who is allergic to Levofloxacin, any quinolone antibiotics, or any formulation component.
Pharmacist Tips:
– Do not take the drug along with milk products. However, this drug can be taken with meals containing milk products.
– Take Levofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking minerals, such as Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc, and products containing these minerals. Since these all may bind with Quinolones in the gastrointestinal tract.
Common dosing schedule:
Levofloxacin can be taken with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Levofloxacin may interact with:
– Amiodarone
– Magnesium
– Calcium
– Oral iron products
– Warfarin
Levofloxacin interacts with a number of drugs. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
Where to buy Levofloxacin in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Levofloxacin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Levoflaxacin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
