Levofloxacin

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Community-acquired pneumonia and chest infections
• Complicated urinary tract and kidney infections
• Acute bacterial sinusitis
• Skin and soft-tissue infections
• Some chronic prostate infections
• Certain serious infections where other antibiotics are unsuitable

The dose of Levofloxacin depends on the infection and its severity. A typical adult dose is 250-750 mg once daily for 5 to 14 days, with the exact strength and length decided by the doctor. Swallow the tablet with plenty of water and keep yourself well hydrated during treatment.

Levofloxacin is generally not used in children except in special situations decided by a specialist. Do not take it within 2 hours of milk, antacids, iron, or zinc, as these reduce absorption. Take it at the same time each day and finish the full course.

Many people tolerate Levofloxacin well, but side effects can occur. Common ones include:

• Nausea, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort
• Headache, dizziness, or sleep disturbance
• Skin rash

Rare but serious effects include tendon pain or rupture (especially the Achilles tendon), nerve damage with tingling or numbness, mood or confusion changes, seizures, and irregular heartbeat. Stop Levofloxacin and seek medical help immediately if you notice tendon pain, severe mood changes, numbness, or a serious allergic reaction.

Levofloxacin is a prescription-only antibiotic — never self-medicate. Fluoroquinolones are powerful and are usually reserved for when other antibiotics are unsuitable, so take Levofloxacin only when a registered doctor prescribes it; never buy it over the counter or share it. Always complete the full prescribed course, even after you feel better, because stopping early lets the toughest bacteria survive and become resistant.

Tell your doctor about tendon problems, epilepsy, nerve disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, or heart-rhythm problems. Antibiotic resistance is a serious national crisis in Bangladesh, and careless use of strong antibiotics like Levofloxacin accelerates it.

Tell your doctor about everything you take. Important interactions with Levofloxacin include:

• Milk, antacids, iron, zinc, and calcium — reduce absorption; separate by at least 2 hours
• NSAID painkillers — may increase the risk of seizures
• Warfarin — increased bleeding risk
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm (QT-prolonging drugs)
• Diabetes medicines — blood sugar can rise or fall

Do not take Levofloxacin if you:

• Are allergic to levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics
• Have previously had tendon problems after a fluoroquinolone
• Have epilepsy or a history of seizures (unless your doctor decides otherwise)

It is generally avoided in children, adolescents, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and used cautiously in people with myasthenia gravis, diabetes, or heart-rhythm disorders.

Levofloxacin is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless there is no safer alternative, because of concerns about its effect on developing joints and cartilage. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy so a safer antibiotic can be chosen.

The drug passes into breast milk, so it is usually avoided while breastfeeding. Your doctor may advise an alternative antibiotic or discuss pausing breastfeeding during treatment.

Store Levofloxacin in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in its original pack. Keep it well out of the reach of children. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date, and return any leftover tablets to a pharmacy rather than keeping them for future use.