Drug Groups

approved; investigational

Description

A synthetic fluoroquinolone (fluoroquinolones) antibacterial agent that inhibits the supercoiling activity of bacterial DNA gyrase, halting DNA replication. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms: Corynebacterium species, Staphylococus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (Groups C/F/G), Viridans group streptococci, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Haemophilus influenzae, Serratia marcescens.

Pharmacology

Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antiinfective, is the optically active L-isomer of ofloxacin. Levofloxacin is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia and pneumonia caused by penicillin-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, skin and skin structure infections, complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis.

Toxicity

Side effects include disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, hot and cold flashes, nausea, slurring of speech, swelling and numbness in the face

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Mainly excreted as unchanged drug (87%); undergoes limited metabolism in humans.

Absorption

Absorption of ofloxacin after single or multiple doses of 200 to 400 mg is predictable, and the amount of drug absorbed increases proportionately with the dose.

Half Life

6-8 hours

Protein Binding

24-38% (to plasma proteins)

Elimination

Mainly excreted as unchanged drug in the urine.

External Links