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