Lquin (levofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic designed for the systemic treatment of complicated bacterial infections where first-line therapies have failed or are contraindicated. It demonstrates potent bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens through inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. This medication is reserved for serious infections where the benefit-risk profile justifies its use, following appropriate susceptibility testing. Healthcare providers should prescribe Lquin only when conventional antibiotics are ineffective or unsuitable.

Features

• Active ingredient: Levofloxacin 250mg, 500mg, or 750mg film-coated tablets
• Pharmacological class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
• Mechanism: Inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes
• Spectrum: Broad activity against aerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
• Bioavailability: Approximately 99% with oral administration
• Half-life: 6-8 hours in patients with normal renal function
• Excretion: Primarily renal as unchanged drug

Benefits

• Provides effective treatment for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections
• Offers high tissue penetration, reaching therapeutic concentrations at infection sites
• Enables convenient once-daily dosing for improved patient adherence
• Demonstrates reliable bactericidal activity against problematic pathogens
• Serves as critical therapy when penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics are unsuitable
• Reduces risk of treatment failure in complicated infections through potent antimicrobial action

Common use

Lquin is indicated for the treatment of adults with complicated infections including:

• Nosocomial pneumonia
• Complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Complicated skin and skin structure infections
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Acute bacterial sinusitis

Prescribing should be guided by culture and susceptibility testing whenever possible. Reserve use for infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

Dosage and direction

Standard dosage: 250mg, 500mg, or 750mg orally once every 24 hours Duration: Typically 7-14 days depending on infection type and severity

Specific indications:

• Complicated urinary tract infections: 750mg once daily for 5 days
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: 500mg once daily for 28 days
• Nosocomial pneumonia: 750mg once daily for 7-14 days
• Complicated skin infections: 750mg once daily for 7-14 days

Renal impairment adjustment:

• CrCl 20-49 mL/min: 250mg every 24 hours (500mg initial dose)
• CrCl 10-19 mL/min: 250mg every 48 hours (500mg initial dose)
• Hemodialysis or CAPD: 250mg every 48 hours

Take tablets with a full glass of water, with or without food. Maintain adequate hydration during treatment. Complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve.

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with known or suspected central nervous system disorders
• Monitor patients with renal impairment closely; dosage adjustment required
• Avoid excessive sunlight or artificial UV light exposure during and for several days after treatment
• Use caution in patients with diabetes; may affect blood glucose levels
• Monitor for tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation; discontinue at first sign
• Assess cardiac status in patients with known QT prolongation risk factors
• Consider alternative therapy in elderly patients due to increased risk of adverse reactions
• Not recommended for pediatric patients except in specific circumstances where benefits outweigh risks

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any product components
• History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration
• Concurrent administration with tizanidine
• Patients with known QT prolongation or uncorrected hypokalemia
• Myasthenia gravis (may exacerbate muscle weakness)
• Severe hepatic impairment with associated renal impairment
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless potential benefit justifies potential risk

Possible side effect

Common (≥1%):

• Nausea (3-5%)
• Diarrhea (2-4%)
• Headache (2-3%)
• Constipation (2-3%)
• Dizziness (1-2%)
• Insomnia (1-2%)

Serious (require immediate medical attention):

• Tendinitis or tendon rupture (particularly Achilles tendon)
• Peripheral neuropathy (may be irreversible)
• Central nervous system effects (seizures, psychosis, increased intracranial pressure)
• QT prolongation and torsades de pointes
• Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Photosensitivity reactions
• Hepatotoxicity (elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis)
• Blood glucose disturbances
• Hematologic abnormalities

Drug interaction

• Antacids, sucralfate, metal cations (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium): Reduce absorption; administer Lquin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after
• NSAIDs: Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures
• Warfarin: Enhanced anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely
• Oral hypoglycemics: May alter blood glucose levels; frequent monitoring recommended
• Drugs that prolong QT interval (antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, antidepressants): Additive effect on QT prolongation
• Corticosteroids: Increased risk of tendon rupture
• Probenecid: Reduces renal clearance of levofloxacin
• Theophylline: Increased theophylline concentrations; monitor levels

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain the regular dosing schedule. If uncertain about proper management, contact the prescribing healthcare provider for guidance.

Overdose

Symptoms: May include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion, dizziness, tremors, and QT prolongation. Management: Employ supportive measures including ECG monitoring for QT prolongation. Administer antacids to reduce absorption if recent ingestion. Hemodialysis removes approximately 10-15% of the dose. There is no specific antidote. Maintain adequate hydration and electrolyte balance. Treat symptoms supportively in a medical facility.

Storage

• Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F)
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep in original container with lid tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging
• Do not transfer tablets to other containers
• Discard any unused medication properly according to local regulations

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Lquin is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The prescribing physician should consider the individual patient’s condition, potential benefits, and risks before initiating therapy. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions precisely and report any adverse effects immediately. This summary does not include all possible information about this medication and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reviews

“Lquin has been invaluable in our ICU for treating multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas infections. The once-daily dosing simplifies administration in critically ill patients.” - Infectious Disease Specialist, 15 years experience

“As a urologist, I reserve Lquin for complicated pyelonephritis cases where first-line agents fail. Its tissue penetration in the kidneys is exceptional.” - Urology Consultant, 12 years experience

“We’ve successfully used Lquin in selected cases of MRSA skin infections when other options were limited. Monitoring for tendon effects remains crucial.” - Dermatology Specialist, 8 years experience

“While effective, we carefully evaluate each patient’s risk profile before prescribing due to the black box warnings. Appropriate patient selection is paramount.” - Internal Medicine Physician, 20 years experience