Levofloxacin 500mg tablets are a potent antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class, widely utilized in clinical settings for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This article delves into the critical aspects of Levofloxacin 500mg, focusing on clinical particulars, pharmacological properties, and detailed dosage information.

Clinical Particulars

1. Therapeutic Indications for Levofloxacin 500mg Tablets

Levofloxacin 500mg tablets are indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including:

• Acute bacterial sinusitis
• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Complicated and uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections
• Complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, including acute pyelonephritis
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure)

2. Posology and Method of Administration

The dosage of Levofloxacin 500mg tablets varies depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as patient factors such as renal function:

• Acute bacterial sinusitis: 500mg once daily for 10-14 days
• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: 500mg once daily for 7-10 days
• Community-acquired pneumonia: 500mg once or twice daily for 7-14 days
• Skin and soft tissue infections: 500mg once or twice daily for 7-14 days
• Urinary tract infections: 250mg to 500mg once daily for 3-10 days
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: 500mg once daily for 28 days
• Inhalational anthrax: 500mg once daily for 60 days

Tablets should be swallowed whole with sufficient liquid, preferably at the same time each day, and can be taken with or without food.

3. Contraindications

Levofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any excipients
• History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use
• Epilepsy
• Patients with a history of myasthenia gravis

4. Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

• Tendinitis and tendon rupture: Particularly in older patients and those on corticosteroids
• CNS effects: Including seizures, tremors, and increased intracranial pressure
• Peripheral neuropathy: Discontinue if symptoms occur
• QT prolongation: Use with caution in patients with known QT interval prolongation, uncorrected electrolyte imbalance, or concomitant use of QT-prolonging drugs
• Hepatotoxicity: Rare cases of severe liver injury

5. Interaction with Other Medicinal Products and Other Forms of Interaction

• Antacids, iron, and zinc supplements: Can reduce levofloxacin absorption; administer at least 2 hours apart
• Warfarin: May increase the anticoagulant effect
• NSAIDs: Potential increased risk of CNS stimulation and convulsions

Antidiabetic agents: Risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia

6. Fertility, Pregnancy, and Lactation

• Pregnancy: Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus
• Lactation: Discontinue breastfeeding or the drug, considering the drug’s importance to the mother
• Fertility: No human data available; animal studies did not show an impact on fertility

7. Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Levofloxacin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances, affecting the ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be advised to assess their reaction to the drug before engaging in such activities.

8. Undesirable Effects

Common adverse effects include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea)
• CNS effects (headache, dizziness)
• Skin reactions (rash, pruritus)
• Tendinitis and tendon rupture
• Hepatotoxicity
• QT prolongation
• Blood glucose disturbances

9. Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, dizziness, seizures, and gastrointestinal disturbances. In case of overdose, supportive treatment should be provided. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing levofloxacin.

Pharmacological Properties of Levofloxacin 500mg Tablets

1. Pharmacodynamic Properties

Levofloxacin is a synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. It inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. It exhibits bactericidal activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens.

2. Pharmacokinetic Properties

• Absorption: Rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 1-2 hours.
• Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body, with high concentrations in urine, kidney, and lung tissues.
• Metabolism: Limited metabolism, primarily excreted unchanged in the urine.
• Elimination: Half-life of approximately 6-8 hours; primarily eliminated via renal excretion.

3. Preclinical Safety Data

Preclinical studies indicate that levofloxacin is well-tolerated, with no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity at therapeutic doses. High doses have been associated with arthropathy in juvenile animals.

Side Effects of Levofloxacin 500mg Tablets

Side effects of levofloxacin are generally mild to moderate but can be severe in some cases. They include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• CNS effects: Headache, dizziness, insomnia
• Skin reactions: Rash, pruritus
• Musculoskeletal issues: Tendinitis, tendon rupture
• Cardiovascular: QT interval prolongation
• Hepatic: Liver enzyme abnormalities, hepatotoxicity
• Metabolic: Blood glucose disturbances

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended strictly for reference by medical practitioners and healthcare professionals. It is not designed to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should not use this information for self-medication or making healthcare decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Elpill-500 (Levofloxacin 500mg Tablets) are available at all leading medical stores across India. Please note that these tablets are sold strictly by prescription only, ensuring that their use is monitored and advised by qualified healthcare professionals. Always consult a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.