Levofloxacin (Lfx)

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Update: September 2022

 

Forms and strenghts

  • 250 mg and 500 mg tablets
  • 100 mg dispersible tablet, to be dispersed in 10 ml water

Dosage

  • Child under 30 kg: 15 to 20 mg/kg once daily
  • Child 30 kg and over and adult: 750 to 1000 mg once daily
  • Maximum dose: 1500 mg daily
  • Renal insufficiency: 750 to 1000 mg 3 times a week

 

Weight
(kg)

Daily dose
(mg)

500 mg
tablet

250 mg
tablet

100 mg dispersible tablet

5

75-100

1 tab

6

90-120

1 tab

7

105-140

1½ tab

8

120-160

1½ tab

9

135-180

1½ tab

10

150-200

2 tab

11

165-220

2 tab

12

180-240

2 tab

13

195-260

2 tab

14

210-280

2 tab

15

225-300

2 tab

16

240-320

3 tab

17

255-340

3 tab

18

270-360

3 tab

19

285-380

3 tab

20

300-400

  3 tab

21

315-420

4 tab

22

330-440

4 tab

23

345-460

4 tab

24

360-480

4 tab

25

375-500

2 tab

26

390-520

2 tab

27

405-540

2 tab

28

420-560

2 tab

29

435-580

2 tab

 

30-35

750

3 tab

36-45

750

3 tab

46-55

1000

2 tab

56-70

1000

2 tab

> 70

1000

2 tab

 

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

  • Do not administer to patients with hypersensitivity reaction or tendon damage during a previous treatment with a fluoroquinolone.
  • Administer with caution to patients:
    • over 60 years or on corticosteroid treatment (increased risk of tendon damage);
    • with diabetes or history of psychiatric disorders or seizures.
  • May cause:
    • tendinitis, tendon rupture, mild QT prolongation;
    • gastrointestinal disturbances (abdominal or epigastric pain, diarrhoea);
    • nervous system and psychiatric disorders (headache, seizures, psychosis, etc.);
    • photosensitivity;
    • hypersensitvity reactions, hypo/hyperglycaemia;
    • rarely: crystalluria, peripheral neuropathy, ototoxicity.
  • For the management of adverse effects, see Appendix 17.
  • Avoid or use with caution and under close monitoring in patients taking other QT prolonging drugs (Appendix 19) or warfarin.
  • Do not administer simultaneously with antacids containing magnesium/aluminium, calcium, iron and zinc salts (administer 2 hours apart).

Pregnancy: use if the benefits outweigh the risks (safety not established).

Breastfeeding: avoid breastfeeding during treatment (no absolute contra-indication).

Monitoring

  • Symptomatic monitoring.

Patient instructions

  • Take 2 hours apart from milk-based product, antacids, calcium, iron and zinc salts.
  • 100 mg tablets should be dispersed in 10 ml water.
  • Maintain a good fluid intake.
  • Protect your skin from sun.

Storage

 
– 
 
–  Below 25 °C