Levofloxacin Infusion IP 5 mg/ml (For IV Infusion only)
COMPOSITION
Each 100 ml contains:
Levofloxacin Hemihydrate IP equ. to Levofloxacin 500 mg
Water for Injections BP q.s.
DESCRIPTION
A clear, colourless to slightly greenish color solution.
PHARMACODYNAMIC
Pharmacotherapeutic group: quinolone antibacterials, fluoroquinolones.
ATC code: J01MA12
Levofloxacin is a synthetic antibacterial agent of the fluoroquinolone class and is the S (-) enantiomer of the racemic active substance ofloxacin.
Mechanism of action
As a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent, levofloxacin acts on the DNA-DNA-gyrase complex and topoisomerase IV.
PK/PD relationship
The degree of the bactericidal activity of levofloxacin depends on the ratio of the maximum concentration in serum (Cmax) or the area under the curve (AUC) and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).
Mechanism of resistance
Resistance to levofloxacin is acquired through a stepwise process by target site mutations in both type II topoisomerases, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Other resistance mechanisms such as permeation barriers (common in Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and efflux mechanisms may also affect susceptibility to levofloxacin.
Cross-resistance between levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones is observed. Due to the mechanism of action, there is generally no cross-resistance between levofloxacin and other classes of antibacterial agents.
Breakpoints
The EUCAST recommended MIC breakpoints for levofloxacin, separating susceptible from intermediately susceptible organisms and intermediately susceptible from resistant organisms are presented in the below table for MIC testing (mg/L).
EUCAST clinical MIC breakpoints for levofloxacin (version 14.0, 2024-01-01):
| Pathogen | Susceptible | Resistant |
| Enterobacterales | ≤ 0.5 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| Pseudomonas spp. | ≤ 0.001 mg/L | >2 mg/L |
| Acinetobacter spp. | ≤ 0.5 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| Staphylococcus aureus | ≤ 0.001 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| Coagulase-negative staphylococci | ≤ 0.001 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| Enterococcus spp. | ≤ 4 mg/L | >4 mg/L |
| Streptococcus. pneumoniae | ≤ 0.001 mg/L | >2 mg/L |
| Streptococcus groups A, B, C and G | ≤ 0.001 mg/L | >2 mg/L |
| Viridans group streptococci | IE* | IE* |
| H. influenzae2,3 | ≤ 0.06 mg/L | > 0.06 mg/L |
| M.catarrhalis 3 | ≤ 0.125 mg/ L | > 0.125 mg/L |
| Neisseria gonorrhoeae | IE* | IE* |
| Neisseria meningitidis | IE* | IE* |
| Helicobacter pylori | ≤ 1 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| Pasteurella spp. | ≤ 0.06 mg/L | > 0.06 mg/L |
| Aerococcus sanguinicola and A. urinae1 | ≤ 2 mg/L | >2 mg/L |
| Kingella kingae | ≤ 0.125 mg/L | >0.125 mg/L |
| Aeromonas spp. | ≤ 0.5 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| Vibrio spp. | ≤ 0.25 mg/L | >0.25 mg/L |
| Bacillus spp. except B. anthracis | ≤ 0.001 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| Bacillus anthracis | ≤ 0.001 mg/L | >0.5 mg/L |
| Brucella melitensis | ≤ 0.001 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| 1. Susceptibility can be inferred from ciprofloxacin susceptibility.
*IE indicates that there is insufficient evidence that the organism or group is a good target for therapy with the agent. An MIC with a comment but without an accompanying S, I or R categorisation may be reported. |
||
The prevalence of resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable.
| Commonly susceptible species
Aerobic Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus anthracis Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus saprophyticus Streptococci, group C and G Streptococcus agalactiae Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus pyogenes Aerobic Gram- negative bacteria Eikenella corrodens Haemophilus influenzae Haemophilus para-influenzae Klebsiella oxytoca Moraxella catarrhalis Pasteurella multocida Proteus vulgaris Providencia rettgeri Anaerobic bacteria Peptostreptococcus Other Chlamydophila pneumoniae Chlamydophila psittaci Chlamydia trachomatis Legionella pneumophila Mycoplasma pneumoniae Mycoplasma hominis Ureaplasma urealyticum Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem Aerobic Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant* Coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp Aerobic Gram- negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii Citrobacter freundii Enterobacter aerogenes Enterobacter cloacae Escherichia coli Klebsiella pneumoniae Morganella morganii Proteus mirabilis Providencia stuartii Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marcescens Anaerobic bacteria Bacteroides fragilis Inherently Resistant Strains Aerobic Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecium |
* Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is very likely to possess co-resistance to fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin.
PHARMACOKINETICS
Absorption
Orally administered levofloxacin is rapidly and almost completely absorbed with peak plasma concentrations being obtained within 1-2 h. The absolute bioavailability is 99 -100 %. Food has little effect on the absorption of levofloxacin. Steady state conditions are reached within 48 hours following a 500 mg once or twice daily dosage regimen.
Distribution
Approximately 30 – 40 % of levofloxacin is bound to serum protein. The mean volume of distribution of levofloxacin is approximately 100, after single and repeated 500 mg doses, indicating widespread distribution into body tissues.
Penetration into tissues and body fluids
Levofloxacin has been shown to penetrate into bronchial mucosa, epithelial lining fluid, alveolar macrophages, lung tissue, skin (blister fluid), prostatic tissue and urine. However, levofloxacin has poor penetration intra cerebro-spinal fluid.
Biotransformation
Levofloxacin is metabolised to a very small extent, the metabolites being desmethyl-levofloxacin and levofloxacin N-oxide. These metabolites account for < 5 % of the dose excreted in urine. Levofloxacin is stereo chemically stable and does not undergo chiral inversion.
Elimination
Following oral and intravenous administration of levofloxacin, it is eliminated relatively slowly from the plasma (t½: 6 – 8 h). Excretion is primarily by the renal route (> 85 % of the administered dose). The mean apparent total body clearance of levofloxacin following a 500 mg single dose was 175 +/-29.2 ml/min. There are no major differences in the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin following intravenous and oral administration, suggesting that the oral and intravenous routes are interchangeable.
Linearity
Levofloxacin obeys linear pharmacokinetics over a range of 50 to 1000 mg.
Special populations
Subjects with renal insufficiency
The pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin are affected by renal impairment. With decreasing renal function renal elimination and clearance are decreased, and elimination half-lives increased as shown in the table below:
Pharmacokinetics in renal insufficiency following single oral 500 mg dose
| Clcr [ml/min] | < 20 | 20 – 49 | 50 – 80 |
| ClR [ml/min] | 13 | 26 | 57 |
| t1/2 [h] | 35 | 27 | 9 |
Elderly subjects
There are no significant differences in levofloxacin pharmacokinetics between young and elderly subjects, except those associated with differences in creatinine clearance.
Gender differences
Separate analysis for male and female subjects showed small to marginal gender differences in levofloxacin pharmacokinetics. There is no evidence that these gender differences are of clinical relevance.
THERAPEUTIC INDICATION
Because of the risk of prolonged, disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse drug reactions this product must only be prescribed when other antibiotics that are commonly recommended for the infection are inappropriate. This applies to all indications listed below. Situations where other antibiotics are considered to be inappropriate are where:
- there is resistance to other first-line antibiotics recommended for the infection;
- other first-line antibiotics are contraindicated in an individual patient;
- other first-line antibiotics have caused side effects requiring treatment to be stopped
- treatment with other first-line antibiotics has failed.
Levofloxacin solution for infusion is indicated in adults for the treatment of the following infections:
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Complicated skin and soft tissue infections
- Acute pyelonephritis and complicated urinary tract infections
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Inhalation Anthrax: post exposure prophylaxis and curative treatment
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml solution for infusion is administered by slow intravenous infusion once or twice daily. The dosage depends on the type and severity of the infection and the susceptibility of the presumed causative pathogen. Treatment with Levofloxacin after initial use of the intravenous preparation may be completed with an appropriate oral presentation according to the SPC of an appropriate oral presentation and as considered appropriate for the individual patient. Given the bioequivalence of the parenteral and oral forms, the same dosage can be used.
Posology
The following dose recommendations can be given for Levofloxacin:
Dose in patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance> 50 ml/min)
| Indication | Daily dose regimen
(according to severity) |
Duration of treatment1
(according to severity) |
| Community-acquired pneumonia | 500 mg once or twice daily | 7-14 days |
| Pyelonephritis | 500 mg once daily | 7-10 days |
| Complicated urinary tract infections | 500 mg once daily | 7-14 days |
| Chronic bacterial prostatitis | 500mg once daily | 28 days |
| Complicated skin and soft tissue infections | 500 mg once or twice daily | 7-14 days |
| Inhalation anthrax | 500 mg once daily | 8 weeks |
1Treatment duration includes intravenous plus oral treatment. The time to switch from intravenous to oral treatment depends on the clinical situation but is normally 2 to 4 days.
Impaired renal function (creatinine clearance 50ml/min)
| Dose regimen | |||
| 250 mg/24 h | 500 mg/24 h | 500 mg/12 h | |
| Creatinine clearance | first dose: 250 mg | first dose: 500 mg | first dose: 500 mg |
| 50 – 20 ml/min | then: 125 mg/24 h | then: 250 mg/24 h | then: 250 mg/12 h |
| 19-10 ml/min | then: 125 mg/48 h | then: 125 mg/24 h | then: 125 mg/12 h |
| < 10 ml/min (including haemodialysis and CAPD) 1 | then: 125 mg/48 h | then: 125 mg/24 h | then: 125 mg/24 h |
1No additional doses are required after haemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
Impaired liver function
No adjustment of dosage is required since levofloxacin is not metabolised to any relevant extent by the liver and is mainly excreted by the kidneys.
Elderly population
No adjustment of dosage is required in the elderly, other than that imposed by consideration of renal function
Paediatric population
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in children and growing adolescents.
Method of administration
Levofloxacin solution for infusion is administered by slow intravenous infusion once or twice daily. The infusion time must be at least 30 minutes for 250 mg or 60 minutes for 500 mg
OVERDOSE
Symptoms
According to toxicity studies in animals or clinical pharmacology studies performed with supra-therapeutic doses, the most important signs to be expected following acute overdosage of Levofloxacin solution for infusion are central nervous system symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, impairment of consciousness, and convulsive seizures, increases in QT interval.
CNS effects including confusional state, convulsion, myoclonus, hallucination, and tremor have been observed in post marketing experience.
Management
In the event of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be implemented. ECG monitoring should be undertaken, because of the possibility of QT interval prolongation. Haemodialysis, including peritoneal dialysis and CAPD, are not effective in removing levofloxacin from the body. No specific antidote exists.
CONTRAINDICATION
Levofloxacin solution for infusion must not be used:
- in patients hypersensitive to levofloxacin or any other quinolone or to any of the excipients.
- in patients with epilepsy
- in patients with history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration
- in children or growing adolescents
- during pregnancy
- in breast-feeding women
WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS
Prolonged, disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse drug reactions
Cases of prolonged (continuing for months or years), disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse drug reactions affecting different, sometimes multiple, body systems (including musculoskeletal, nervous, psychiatric and senses) have been reported in patients receiving quinolones and fluoroquinolones irrespective of their age and pre-existing risk factors. There are no pharmacological treatments established to be effective treatments of the symptoms of long lasting or disabling side effects associated with fluoroquinolones. Levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately at the first signs or symptoms of any serious adverse reaction and patients should be advised to contact their prescriber for advice, so that symptoms can be appropriately investigated and to avoid further exposure which could potentially worsen adverse reactions.
The use of levofloxacin should be avoided in patients who have experienced serious adverse reactions in the past when using quinolone or fluoroquinolone containing products. Treatment of these patients with levofloxacin should only be initiated in the absence of alternative treatment options and after careful benefit/risk assessment.
Aortic aneurysm and dissection, and heart valve regurgitation/incompetence
Epidemiologic studies report an increased risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection, particularly in elderly patients, and of aortic and mitral valve regurgitation after intake of fluoroquinolones. Cases of aortic aneurysm and dissection, sometimes complicated by rupture (including fatal ones), and of regurgitation/incompetence of any of the heart valves have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones.
Therefore, fluoroquinolones should only be used after careful benefit-risk assessment and after consideration of other therapeutic options in patients with positive family history of aneurysm disease or congenital heart valve disease, or in patients diagnosed with pre-existing aortic aneurysm and/or dissection or heart valve disease, or in presence of other risk factors or conditions predisposing.
- for both aortic aneurysm and dissection and heart valve regurgitation/incompetence (e.g. connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Turner syndrome, Behcet’s disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis) or additionally.
- for aortic aneurysm and dissection (e.g. vascular disorders such as Takayasu arteritis or giant cell arteritis, or known atherosclerosis, or Sjö gren’s syndrome) or additionally.
- for heart valve regurgitation/incompetence (e.g. infective endocarditis)
The risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection, and their rupture may also be increased in patients treated concurrently with systemic corticosteroids.
In case of sudden abdominal, chest or back pain, patients should be advised to immediately consult a physician in an emergency department.
Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention in case of acute dyspnoea, new onset of heart palpitations, or development of oedema of the abdomen or lower extremities.
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is very likely to possess co-resistance to fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin. Therefore, levofloxacin is not recommended for the treatment of known or suspected MRSA infections unless laboratory results have confirmed susceptibility of the organism to levofloxacin (and commonly recommended antibacterial agents for the treatment of MRSA-infections are considered inappropriate).
Resistance to fluoroquinolones of E. coli: the most common pathogen involved in urinary tract infections – varies across the European Union. Prescribers are advised to take into account the local prevalence of resistance in E. coli to fluoroquinolones.
Inhalation Anthrax: use in humans is based on in vitro Bacillus anthracis susceptibility data and on animal experimental data together with limited human data. Treating physicians should refer to national and/or international consensus documents regarding the treatment of anthrax.
Infusion Time
The recommended infusion time of at least 30 minutes for 250 mg or 60 minutes for 500mg Levofloxacin solution for infusion should be observed. It is known, for ofloxacin, that during infusion tachycardia and a temporary decrease in blood pressure may develop. In rare cases, as a consequence of a profound drop in blood pressure, circulatory collapse may occur. Should a conspicuous drop in blood pressure occur during infusion of levofloxacin, (l-isomer of ofloxacin) the infusion must be halted immediately.
Tendinitis and tendon rupture
Tendinitis and tendon rupture (especially but not limited to Achilles tendon), sometimes bilateral, may occur as early as within 48 hours of starting treatment with quinolones and fluoroquinolones and have been reported to occur even up to several months after discontinuation of treatment. The risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in older patients, patients with renal impairment, patients with solid organ transplants, patients receiving daily doses of 1000 mg levofloxacin and those treated concurrently with corticosteroids. Therefore, concomitant use of corticosteroids should be avoided.
At the first sign of tendinitis (e.g. painful swelling, inflammation) the treatment with levofloxacin should be discontinued and alternative treatment should be considered. The affected limb(s) should be appropriately treated (e.g. immobilization). Corticosteroids should not be used if signs of tendinopathy occur.
The daily dose should be adjusted in elderly patients based on creatinine clearance. Close monitoring of these patients is therefore necessary if they are prescribed levofloxacin.
Myoclonus
Cases of myoclonus have been reported in patients receiving levofloxacin. The risk of myoclonus is increased in older patients, and in patients with renal impairment if the dose of levofloxacin is not adjusted as per the creatinine clearance. Levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately at the first occurrence of myoclonus and appropriate treatment should be initiated.
Clostridium difficile – associated disease
Diarrhoea, particularly if severe, persistent and/or bloody, during or after treatment with levofloxacin, (including several weeks after treatment) may be symptomatic of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD). CDAD may range in severity from mild to life threatening, the most severe form of which is pseudomembranous colitis. It is therefore important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop serious Diarrhoea during or after treatment with levofloxacin If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, levofloxacin should be stopped immediately and appropriate treatment initiated without delay. Anti-peristaltic medicinal products are contraindicated in this clinical situation.
Blood disorders
Bone marrow failure including leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia, or agranulocytosis may develop during treatment with levofloxacin. If any of these blood disorders is suspected, blood counts should be monitored. In case of abnormal results, discontinuation of treatment with levofloxacin should be considered.
Patients predisposed to seizures
Quinolones may lower the seizure threshold and may trigger seizures. Levofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a history of epilepsy and, as with other quinolones, should be used with extreme caution in patients predisposed to seizures or concomitant treatment with active substances that lower the cerebral seizure threshold, such as theophylline. In case of convulsive seizures, treatment with levofloxacin should be discontinued.
Patients with G-6- phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Patients with latent or actual defects in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity may be prone to haemolytic reactions, when treated with quinolone antibacterial agents Therefore, if levofloxacin has to be used in these patients, potential occurrence of hemolysis should be monitored.
Patients with renal impairment
Since levofloxacin is excreted mainly by the kidneys, the dose of Levofloxacin should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Levofloxacin can cause serious, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. angioedema up to anaphylactic shock), occasionally following the initial dose. Patients should discontinue treatment immediately and contact their physician or an emergency physician, who will initiate appropriate emergency measures.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN: also known as Lyell’s syndrome), Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which could be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported with levofloxacin. At the time of prescription, patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions, and be closely monitored. If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear, levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately and an alternative treatment should be considered. If the patient has developed a serious reaction such as SJS, TEN or DRESS with the use of levofloxacin, treatment with levofloxacin must not be restarted in this patient at any time.
Dysglycaemia
As with all quinolones, disturbances in blood glucose, including both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia have been reported, usually in diabetic patients receiving concomitant treatment with an oral hypoglycaemic agent (e.g., glibenclamide) or with insulin. Cases of hypoglycaemic coma have been reported. In diabetic patients, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended.
Prevention of photosensitisation
Photosensitisation has been reported with levofloxacin. It is recommended that patients should not expose themselves unnecessarily to strong sunlight or to artificial UV rays (e.g. sunray lamp, solarium), during treatment and for 48 hours following treatment discontinuation in order to prevent photosensitisation.
Patients treated with Vitamin K antagonists
Due to possible increase in coagulation tests (PT/INR) and/or bleeding in patients treated with levofloxacin in combination with a vitamin K antagonist (e.g. warfarin), coagulation tests should be monitored when these drugs are given concomitantly.
Psychotic reactions
Psychotic reactions have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including levofloxacin. In very rare cases these have progressed to suicidal thoughts and self-endangering behaviour- sometimes after only a single dose of levofloxacin. In the event that the patient develops these reactions, levofloxacin should be discontinued and appropriate measures instituted. Caution is recommended if levofloxacin is to be used in psychotic patients or in patients with history of psychiatric disease.
QT interval prolongation
Caution should be taken when using fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, in patients with known risk factors for prolongation of the QT interval such as, for example:
- congenital long QT syndrome
- concomitant use of drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval (e.g. Class IA and III anti-arrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotics)
- uncorrected electrolyte imbalance (e.g. hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia)
- cardiac disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, bradycardia)
Elderly patients and women may be more sensitive to QTc-prolonging medications. Therefore, caution should be taken when using fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, in these populations.
Peripheral neuropathy
Cases of sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy resulting in paraesthesia, hypoesthesia, dysesthesia, or weakness have been reported in patients receiving quinolones and fluoroquinolones. Patients under treatment with levofloxacin should be advised to inform their doctor prior to continuing treatment if symptoms of neuropathy such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness develop in order to prevent the development of potentially irreversible condition.
Hepatobiliary disorders
Cases of hepatic necrosis up to fatal hepatic failure have been reported with levofloxacin, primarily in patients with severe underlying diseases, e.g. sepsis. Patients should be advised to stop treatment and contact their doctor if signs and symptoms of hepatic disease develop such as anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, pruritus or tender abdomen.
Exacerbation of myasthenia gravis
Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, have neuromuscular blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Post marketing serious adverse reactions, including deaths and the requirement for respiratory support, have been associated with fluoroquinolone use in patients with myasthenia gravis. Levofloxacin is not recommended in patients with a known history of myasthenia gravis.
Vision disorders
If vision becomes impaired or any effects on the eyes are experienced, an eye specialist should be consulted immediately.
Superinfection
The use of levofloxacin, especially if prolonged, may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Blood disorders
Bone marrow failure including leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia, or agranulocytosis may develop during treatment with levofloxacin. If any of these blood disorders is suspected, blood counts should be monitored. In case of abnormal results, discontinuation of treatment with levofloxacin should be considered.
Interference with laboratory test
In patients treated with levofloxacin, determination of opiates in urine may give false-positive results. It may be necessary to confirm positive opiate screens by more specific method.
Levofloxacin may inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and, therefore, may give false-negative results in the bacteriological diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Sodium content
This medicinal product contains 354.2 mg sodium per 100 ml equivalent to 17.71% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.
This should be taken into account in patients on a controlled sodium diet and in cases where fluid restriction is required.
PREGNANCY, LACTATION, FERTILITY AND ABILITY TO DRIVE
Pregnancy
There is limited amount of data from the use of levofloxacin in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity. However, in the absence of human data and due to that experimental data suggest a risk of damage by fluoroquinolones to the weight-bearing cartilage of the growing organism, Levofloxacin must not be used in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in breast-feeding women. There is insufficient information on the excretion of levofloxacin in human milk; however other fluoroquinolones are excreted in breast milk. In the absence of human data and due to that experimental data suggest a risk of damage by fluoroquinolones to the weight-bearing cartilage of the growing organism, levofloxacin must not be used in breast-feeding women.
Fertility
Levofloxacin caused no impairment of fertility or reproductive performance in rats.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Levofloxacin has some undesirable effects (e.g. dizziness/vertigo, drowsiness, visual disturbances) which may impair the patient’s ability to concentrate and react, and therefore may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or operating machinery).
DRUG INTERACTION
Effect of other medicinal products on Levofloxacin
Theophylline, fenbufen or similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
No pharmacokinetic interactions of levofloxacin were found with theophylline in a clinical study. However, a pronounced lowering of the cerebral seizure threshold may occur when quinolones are given concurrently with theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other agents which lower the seizure threshold.
Levofloxacin concentrations were about 13% higher in the presence of fenbufen than when administered alone.
Probenecid and cimetidine
Probenecid and cimetidine had a statistically significant effect on the elimination of levofloxacin. The renal clearance of levofloxacin was reduced by cimetidine (24%) and probenecid (34%). This is because both drugs are capable of blocking the renal tubular secretion of levofloxacin. However, at the tested doses in the study, the statistically significant kinetic differences are unlikely to be of clinical relevance.
Caution should be exercised when levofloxacin is coadministered with drugs that affect the tubular renal secretion such as probenecid and cimetidine, especially in renally impaired patients.
Other relevant information
Clinical pharmacology studies have shown that the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin were not affected to any clinically relevant extent when levofloxacin was administered together with the following drugs: calcium carbonate, digoxin, glibenclamide, ranitidine.
Effect of Levofloxacin on other medicinal products
Ciclosporin
The half-life of ciclosporin was increased by 33% when coadministered with levofloxacin.
Vitamin K antagonists
Increased coagulation tests (PT/INR) and/or bleeding, which may be severe, have been reported in patients treated with levofloxacin in combination with a vitamin K antagonist (e.g. warfarin). Coagulation tests, therefore, should be monitored in patients treated with vitamin K antagonists.
Drugs known to prolong QT interval
Levofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, should be used with caution in patients receiving drugs known to prolong the QT interval (e.g. Class IA and III anti-arrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotics).
Other relevant information
In a pharmacokinetic interaction study, levofloxacin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of theophylline (which is a probe substrate for CYP1A2), indicating that levofloxacin is not a CYP1A2 inhibitor.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
The information given below is based on data from clinical studies in more than 8300 patients and on extensive post marketing experience.
Frequencies are defined as follows: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100, <1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1000, <1/100), rare (≥ 1/10000, <1/1000), very rare (<1/10000),
not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
In the following table, adverse reactions are listed by system organ class and MedDRA-preferred term. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
| System organ class | Frequency | Undesirable Effects |
| Infections and infestations | Uncommon | Fungal infection including Candida infection, Pathogen resistance |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | Uncommon | Leukopenia, Eosinophilia |
| Rare | Thrombocytopenia, Neutropenia | |
| Not known | Bone marrow failure including aplastic anaemia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, haemolytic anaemia | |
| Immune system disorders | Rare | Angioedema, Hypersensitivity |
| Not known | Anaphylactic shocka, Anaphylactoid shocka, | |
| Metabolism and nutritional disorders | Uncommon | Anorexia |
| Rare | Hypoglycaemia particularly in diabetic patients | |
| Not known | Hyperglycaemia, Hypoglycaemic coma | |
| Psychiatric disorders* | Common | Insomnia |
| Uncommon | Anxiety, Confusional state, Nervousness | |
| Rare | Psychotic reactions (with e.g. hallucination, paranoia), Depression, Agitation, Abnormal dreams, Nightmares | |
| Not known | Psychotic disorders with self-endangering behaviour including suicidal ideation or suicide attempt. Mania | |
| Nervous system disorders* | Common | Headache, Dizziness |
| Uncommon | Somnolence, Tremor, Dysgeusia | |
| Rare | Convulsion, Paraesthesia | |
| Not known | Peripheral sensory neuropathy, Peripheral sensory motor neuropathy, Parosmia including anosmia, Dyskinesia, Extrapyramidal disorder, Ageusia, Syncope, Benign intracranial hypertension. Myoclonus | |
| Eye disorders* | Rare | Visual disturbances such as blurred vision |
| Not known | Transient vision loss | |
| Ear and Labyrinth disorders* | Uncommon | Vertigo |
| Rare | Tinnitus | |
| Not known | Hearing loss, Hearing impaired | |
| Cardiac disorders** | Rare | Tachycardia, Palpitation |
| Not known | Ventricular tachycardia, which may result in cardiac arrest, Ventricular arrhythmia and torsade de pointes (reported predominantly in patients with risk factors of QT prolongation), Electrocardiogram QT prolonged. | |
| Vascular disorders** | Common | Phlebitis (applies to I.V. form only) |
| Rare | Hypotension | |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Uncommon | Dyspnoea |
| Not known | Bronchospasm, Pneumonitis allergic | |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Common | Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Nausea |
| Uncommon | Abdominal pain, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Constipation | |
| Not known | Diarrhoea– haemorrhagic which in very rare cases may be indicative of enterocolitis, including pseudomembranous colitis, Pancreatitis | |
| Hepatobiliary disorders | Common | Hepatic enzyme increased (ALT/AST, alkaline phosphatase, GGT) |
| Uncommon | Blood bilirubin increased | |
| Not known | Jaundice and severe liver injury, including fatal cases with acute liver failure, primarily in patients with severe underlying diseases, Hepatitis | |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersb | Uncommon | Rash, Pruritus, Urticaria, Hyperhidrosis |
| Not known | Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Erythema multiforme, Photosensitivity reaction, Leukocytoclastic vasculitis, Stomatitis, Skin hyperpigmentation | |
| Rare | Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), Fixed drug eruption | |
| Musculo-skeletal and connective tissue disorders* | Uncommon | Arthralgia, Myalgia |
| Rare | Tendon disorder including tendinitis and tendon rupture (e.g. Achilles tendon), Muscular weakness which may be of special importance in patients with myasthenia gravis | |
| Not known | Rhabdomyolysis, Ligament rupture, Muscle rupture, Arthritis | |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Uncommon | Blood creatinine increased |
| Rare | Renal failure acute (e.g. due to interstitial nephritis) | |
| General disorders and administration site conditions* | Common | Infusion site reaction (pain, reddening) |
| Uncommon | Asthenia | |
| Rare | Pyrexia | |
| Not known | Pain (including pain in back, chest, and extremities) | |
| Endocrine disorders | Rare | Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) |
aAnaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions may sometimes occur even after the first dose.
bMucocutaneous reactions may sometimes occur even after the first dose
* Cases of prolonged (up to months or years), disabling and potentially irreversible serious drug reactions affecting several, sometimes multiple, system organ classes and senses (including reactions such as tendonitis, tendon rupture, arthralgia, pain in extremities, gait disturbance, neuropathies associated with paraesthesia, fatigue, psychiatric symptoms, memory impairment and impairment of hearing, vision, taste and smell) have been reported in association with the use of quinolones and fluoroquinolones in some cases irrespective of pre-existing risk factors.
**Cases of aortic aneurysm and dissection, sometimes complicated by rupture (including fatal ones), and of regurgitation/incompetence of any of the heart valves have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones. A range of psychiatric symptoms may occur as part of these side effects, which may include, but are not necessarily limited to, sleep disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion, or depression. There are no pharmacological treatments established to be effective treatments of the symptoms of long lasting or disabling side effects associated with fluoroquinolones. The frequency of these prolonged, disabling and potentially irreversible serious drug reactions cannot be estimated with precision using available data, but the reporting incidence from adverse drug reaction reports indicates the frequency is at minimum between 1/1,000 and 1/10,000 (corresponding to the rare frequency category).
Other undesirable effects which have been associated with fluoroquinolone administration include:
- attacks of porphyria in patients with porphyria.
PRESENTATION
LEVOFLOX Infusions are supplied in 100 ml Flint, ISO Type II, Moulded infusion vial.
STORAGE AND OTHER INFORMATION
Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light.
Store at below 30°C temperature.
Caution: Not to be used if container is found leaking or solution is hazy or contain any visible solid particles. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
