Generic Name: Levofloxacin (as hemihydrate)
Pharmacologic Category: Fluoroquinolone
Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics:
Levofloxacin is the L-isomer of the racemate, ofloxacin, a quinolone antibacterial agent. The mechanism of action of levofloxacin and other quinolones involves inhibition of bacterial topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV enzymes which are essential for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.
Levofloxacin is rapidly and most completely absorbed following oral administration with peak plasma concentration achieved within an hour of a dose. It is distributed into body tissues including the bronchial mucosa and lungs, but penetration into CSF is relatively poor. Levofloxacin is approximately 30% to 40% bound to plasma proteins. It is only metabolized to a small degree to inactive metabolites. The elimination half-life of Levofloxacin is 6 to 8 hours, although this may be prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Levofloxacin is excreted largely unchanged, primarily in the urine. It is not removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Indications:
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial with a wider spectrum of activity. It has been used in the treatment of a wide range of infections including lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, typhoid and paratyphoid fever and urinary tract infections. Levofloxacin is also used in the prophylaxis of meningococcal meningitis and for surgical infections.
