Eye Drops
Leflox 5 mg/ml Eye Drops
Generic: Levofloxacin
Manufacturer: Advanced Chemical Industries Limited
Therapeutic class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
What is Leflox?
Leflox eye drops contain levofloxacin at 5 mg/ml, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic applied directly to the eye. They are used to treat bacterial eye infections by stopping the responsible bacteria from multiplying.
Leflox 5 mg/ml eye drops by Advanced Chemical Industries Limited contains Levofloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It is prescribed for more serious or resistant bacterial infections, including certain pneumonias and chest infections, complicated urinary and kidney infections, sinusitis, and some skin infections. Leflox is a prescription-only medicine and must be taken strictly under a registered doctor's supervision.
Levofloxacin works by blocking the bacterial enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that bacteria need to copy and repair their DNA. Without these enzymes the bacteria cannot reproduce and quickly die. Because it acts only on bacteria, Leflox has no effect on viral illnesses such as colds, flu, or most coughs and sore throats.
Indications
- 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
Dosage & Administration
The dose of Leflox 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.
Leflox 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.
Side Effects
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 Leflox and seek medical help immediately if you notice tendon pain, severe mood changes, numbness, or a serious allergic reaction.
Precautions & Warnings
Leflox is a prescription-only antibiotic — never self-medicate. Fluoroquinolones are powerful and are usually reserved for when other antibiotics are unsuitable, so take Leflox 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.
Drug Interactions
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
Contraindications
Do not take Leflox 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.
Pregnancy & Lactation
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.
Storage Conditions
Store Leflox 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop Leflox early once I am feeling well again?
I have tingling, numbness, or anxiety since starting Leflox — should I worry?
Why must I keep milk and antacids away from my Leflox dose?
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