Levoflox 500 is an antibiotic medicine used against various bacterial infections, including Bacterial sinusitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and prostatitis.
It is a broad-range antibiotic and a fluoroquinolone anti-bacterial drug which is used to treat infections caused by a broad range of infectious bacteria encountered on a daily basis in today’s day and age.
Levoflox 500 may also be used in combination with other antibiotics to treat certain other bacterial infections including Tuberculosis.
The drug is manufactured by the renowned medicine manufacturer, Cipla Ltd.
| Nature | Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic |
| Composition | Levofloxacin |
| Uses | Cystitis, Pyelonephritis, Nongonococcal Urethritis, Skin and structure Infection, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Inhalation Anthrax, and Plague |
| Side Effects | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, confusion, fever, redness of the skin, change in taste, constipation |
| Precautions | People with liver-related disorders, allergy and kidney ailments should avoid taking the medicine. |
Composition and Nature of Levoflox Tablet:
Levoflox 500 contains Levofloxacin – a bactericidal antibiotic drug which decimates the bacterial infection by inhibiting the action of the bacterial enzyme known as DNA-gyrase.
The action of Levofloxacin prevents bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, which ultimately kills them.
Uses and Benefits of Levoflox:
Levoflox 500 is an antibacterial drug prescribed to treat several bacterial infections. Some of the conditions for which it is prescribed are mentioned below:
- Pneumonia – It is the most common type of lung infection caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Haemophilus Influenza.
- Urinary tract infections – An infection in any part of the urinary system, the kidneys, bladder or the urethra.
- Abdominal infections and gastrointestinal tract infections – Bacterial infections that cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract involving both the stomach and the small intestine.
- Respiratory tract infections – These infections affect the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs.
- Cellulitis – A common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection.
- Bacterial prostatitis – A rare bacterial condition that causes recurring infections in the prostate and leads to swelling, inflammation, and frequent UTI.
- Anthrax infection – A rare but serious bacterial illness.
- Endocarditis – An infection of the heart’s inner lining, usually involving the heart valves.
- Meningitis – Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease – An infection of the female reproductive organs.
- Traveler’s diarrhea – Digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal cramps caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
- Tuberculosis – A severely infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs.
- Cystitis – A bladder infection, caused by bacteria such as E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococci, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc.
- Pyelonephritis – A type of kidney infection caused by bacteria such as E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococci, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc.
- Nongonococcal Urethritis – An inflammation of the urethra caused by bacteria such as E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc.
- Skin and structure Infection – This includes conditions such as cellulitis, wound infection, cutaneous abscess, etc. caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Plague – An infectious bacterial illness caused by Yersinia pestis.
Side Effects of Levoflox:
In the case of Levoflox there remains a possibility of several side-effects, which have to be managed in the course of regimen and for a period after adverse effects are typically mild to moderate but sometimes serious reactions to the drug may occur.
Some of the most common side effects of the medicine are listed below:
- Levoflox is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic which is expressly related to musculoskeletal risks.
- Severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
- Hepatotoxicity or Liver injury.
- Seizures and psychiatric effects as it affect the CNS.
- QT interval extension is caused by Levoflox.
- Gastrointestinal effects manifest as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Headache, diarrhea, and insomnia.
- Levofloxacin, owing to its broad spectrum antibiotic nature is associated with Clostridium difficile associated relatively serious condition manifesting as diarrhea.
Common Dosage of Levoflox:
The common dosage for Levoflox 500mg tablet is prescribed by the doctor based on the patient’s medical condition, age, sex, and weight. The medicine should be swallowed whole, without crushing, chewing or breaking it. The medicine is advised to be taken after having food for maximum efficacy and absorption.
Missed Dose
In case a dose of Levoflox 500mg tablet is missed, it is advised to take the missed dose as soon as it is remembered. In case the dose is remembered when it is almost time for the next dose, one should take the next scheduled dose on time.
Overdose
In case the patient has taken an overdose of Levoflox 500mg tablet, it is important to consult the doctor immediately to prevent possible side effects and discomfort.
How to Use Levoflox:
This tablet should be swallowed whole with water.
- It is not advisable to crush, break or chew the capsules.
- Levoflox 500mg tablet is generally advised to be taken after having a meal in order to maximize absorption and efficacy.
How Levoflox 500 works?
Levoflox is a broad spectrum antibiotic which is used to treat bacterial conditions. This medicine is a prescription-only medicine that must only be taken when advised by the doctor.
Levoflox 500 is used to treat bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting the action of the bacterial enzyme known as DNA gyrase. This prevents bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby treating the infection.
When is Levoflox 500mg Tablet prescribed?
Levoflox 500mg tablet is an over the counter medicine which helps in treating bacterial infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, laryngitis, cellulitis, gastroenteritis, acute or chronic bronchitis, urinary tract infections, tonsillitis, anthrax, and plague.
Precautions and Warning Related to Levoflox:
Patients are advised to consult the doctor before administering Levoflox in case of the following health conditions:
- Allergy:
Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Levoflox or Levofloxacin are advised against administering this medicine as it may lead to adverse effects.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Levoflox 500mg tablet is generally deemed unsafe for use by pregnant and breastfeeding females as the medicine is known to cause adverse side effects to the fetus and the baby. It is important to consult the doctor before starting the course of the medicine.
- Driving and Operating Heavy Machinery:
Levoflox 500mg tablet may cause dizziness and affect the mental alertness of the patient. Hence it is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery during the course of this medicine.
- Kidney and Liver-Related Disorders:
Levoflox 500mg tablet should be administered with utmost caution in patients suffering from kidney and liver-related disorders as dose adjustment may be required in such cases. The doctor should be consulted before administering the medicine.
- Functioning of the Central Nervous System:
The medicine has implications on the central nervous system and the functioning of tendons, muscles, joints, and the nerves. There is an increased risk of tendon rupture in the elderly, transplant patients and those with a current or historical corticosteroid are also at risk. Thus it is advised to inform the doctor about the complete medical history and condition of the patient.
- Drug Resistance:
The use of Levoflox without expert medical consultation can result in resistance to the drug and may even cause toxicity.
- Photosensitivity:
The medicine tends to make the patient more sensitive to sunburns and tanning. It is advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing to avoid adverse reactions to sunlight during the administration of Levoflox.
- Diarrhea
Levoflox 500mg may cause an imbalance in the normal microbial flora of the large intestine, which may promote the growth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile and one may experience severe diarrhea. Such a condition should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Substitutes of Levoflox 500 Mg Tablet:
The commonly available substitutes for Levoflox 500 MG are given below-
- Loxof 500mg, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Levomac 500mg, Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
- Levoday 500mg, Zydus Cadila
- Fynal 500mg, Mankind Pharma Ltd.
- L-Cin 500mg, Lupin Ltd.
- Loxazin 500mg tablet
- Levobid 500 mg tablet
- Lovolkem 500mg tablet
- Voxin 500mg tablet
- Livovar 500mg tablet
- Leon 500mg tablet
- Levobact 500mg tablet
- Glevo 500mg tablet
- Qure 500mg tablet
- Alevo 500mg tablet
In the event that Levoflox 500 mg tablet is not available, the above-mentioned drugs can be used in its place post taking consultation from a doctor.
Variants of Levoflox 500mg Tablet
- Levoflox 500mg Infusion (bottle of 100ml infusion)
- Levoflox 750mg IV Infusion (bottle of 150ml infusion)
Medicines that Should Not Be Taken with Levoflox 500
The following drugs are known to adversely interact with Levoflox 500:
- Insulin and certain oral diabetes drugs, such as nateglinide, pioglitazone, repaglinide, and rosiglitazone.
- Warfarin
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Theophylline
When taken along with Levoflox 500, these drugs may hamper the efficacy of both the drugs. Examples of such drugs include:
- Sucralfate
- Didanosine
- Multivitamins
- Antacids
- Other drugs or supplements that contain magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc
Levoflox Price in India:
| Name | Price |
| Levoflox 500 mg Tablet (a strip of 10 tablets) | INR 84.79/- |
How to Store Levoflox?
It is advisable to follow the below-mentioned guidelines in order to adequately store Levoflox 500mg tablet:
- It is advisable to store this drug at a temperature not exceeding 77°F (25°C).
- It is recommended to keep the medicine away from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture.
- The medicines should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
- The packaging of the medicine must be kept intact in order to maintain its effect on being administered.
Levoflox 500 Interactions with other drugs:
The medicine may interact with certain medicines or products and show an adverse effect on the health of the patient. It is always advised to share the complete medical history with the prescribing doctor in order to prevent the occurrence of any adverse reactions arising out of co-administration.
Interaction with Medicines
The following drugs are known to adversely interact with Levoflox 500 tablet:
- Insulin and certain oral diabetes drugs, such as Nateglinide, pioglitazone, Repaglinide, and rosiglitazone.
- Warfarin.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Theophylline.
Drugs that are known to affect the efficacy of Levoflox 500-
When administered along with Levoflox 500 MG, a few drugs are known to hamper its efficacy. Examples of these drugs include:
- Sucralfate
- Didanosine
- Multivitamin supplements
- Antacids
- Other drugs or supplements that contain magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc
Doctor consultation is a must before co-administering these drugs.
Interaction with Diseases
Patients with the following health conditions are advised to avoid using Levoflox 500mg tablet:
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to Levofloxacin
- Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture
- Myasthenia Gravis
Frequently Asked Question:
1) What is Levoflox 500 mg tablet used for?
Ans: Levoflox 500mg tablet is used for treating and preventing bacterial infections such as tuberculosis, laryngitis, cellulitis, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, acute or chronic bronchitis, plague, urinary tract infections, tonsillitis, and anthrax. This antibiotic also treats bacterial infections of the pelvis, kidney, prostate, and skin.
2) What are the side effects of Levoflox 500mg?
Ans: The medicine is known to exhibit the following side effects in some cases:
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Black or tarry stools
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Painful urination
- Decreased appetite
- Joint pain
- Change in taste
- Excessive air or gas in the stomach
- Running Nose
3) Can the use of Levoflox 500 mg be discontinued if the patient feels better?
Ans: No, it is advisable not to stop or alter the prescribed course of Levoflox 500 MG without consulting a doctor. It is recommended to complete the full course of the medicine even if the symptoms have subsided and the patient feels better.
4) Is it safe to consume Levoflox 500?
Ans: Yes it is safe to consume Levoflox 500 in the dosage and as per the duration prescribed by the doctor.
5) What is the time taken for the onset of action for a single dose of Levoflox 500?
Ans: The effects of a single dose of Levoflox 500 can be observed within one to two hours of oral administration of the dose.
6) How long does the effect of a single dose of Levoflox 500 last?
Ans: The effect of the medicine is known in the body to last for an average duration of 24 to 32 hours.
7) Does Levoflox 500mg tablet create sensitivity to the sun?
Ans: This medicine is known to make the patient’s skin extra sensitive to sun exposure in most cases. This makes the patient susceptible to the risk of sunburn and tanning. It is recommended to stay away from direct sunlight, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen during the course of the medicine.
8) Is Levoflox 500mg tablet addictive by nature?
Ans: No, Levoflox 500mg tablet is not known to be addictive by nature. Medicines that are addictive by nature are categorized under category X and H in India. It is recommended to always read the label before administering the medicines.
9) Can Levoflox 500 mg tablet be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Ans: Levoflox 500 mg tablet is not known to be safe for use by women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. However, if it is deemed absolutely necessary and prescribed by a doctor, it can be administered with utmost caution.
10) Can Levoflox 500 mg tablet be taken if a person is suffering from flu or common cold?
Ans: No, conditions such as flu and common cold cannot be treated by administering Levoflox 500 MG. this is because, Levoflox is an antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections, while common cold and flu are generally caused due to viral infections.
11) Can a person adequately operate heavy machinery during the course of Levoflox 500 MG?
Ans: No, it is not advisable to operate heavy machinery during the course of Levoflox 500 MG tablets as it is known to cause dizziness and drowsiness in some cases. The drug tends to affect the functioning of the central nervous system and impair a person’s motor abilities.
