Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Levofloxacin hemihydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
The name of your medicine is Levofloxacin solution for infusion. Levofloxacin solution for infusion contains a medicine called levofloxacin. This belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics. Levofloxacin is a 'quinolone antibiotic'. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infections in your body. Levofloxacin solution for infusion may be used to treat infections of the: • Lungs, in people with pneumonia. • Urinary tract, including your kidneys or bladder. • Prostate gland, where you have a long lasting infection. • Skin and underneath the skin, including muscles. This is sometimes called 'soft tissue'. In some special situations, Levofloxacin solution for infusion may be used to lessen the chances of getting a pulmonary disease named anthrax, or worsening of the disease after you are exposed to the bacteria causing anthrax. 2.
e Levofloxacin solution for infusion
Do not take Levofloxacin solution for infusion if: • You are allergic to levofloxacin, any other quinolone antibiotic such as moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue • You have ever had epilepsy • You have ever had a problem with your tendons such as tendonitis that was related to treatment with a drug that belongs to the same class of antibiotics (quinolone antibiotic). A tendon is the cord that joins your muscle to your skeleton • You are a child or a growing teenager • You are pregnant, might become pregnant, or think you might be pregnant
• You are breast-feeding Do not have this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before you are given Levofloxacin solution for infusion. Warnings and precautions Before taking this medicine You should not take fluoroquinolone/quinolone antibacterial medicines, including Levofloxacin solution for infusion, if you have experienced any serious adverse reaction in the past when taking a quinolone or fluoroquinolone. In this situation, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking your medicine if: • You are 60 years of age or older • You are using corticosteroids, sometimes called steroids (see section "Other medicines and Levofloxacin solution for infusion") • You have ever had a fit (seizure) • You have had damage to your brain due to a stroke or other brain injury • You have kidney problems • You have something known as 'glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency' (G6PD). You are more likely to have serious problems with your blood when taking this medicine • You have ever had mental health problems • You have ever had heart problems: caution should be taken when using this kind of medicine, if you were born with or have family history of prolonged QT interval (seen on ECG, electrical recording of the heart), have a salt imbalance in the blood (especially a low level of potassium or magnesium in the blood), have a very slow heart rhythm (called 'bradycardia'), have a weak heart (heart failure), have a history of heart attack (myocardial infarction), you are female or elderly or you are taking other medicines that result in abnormal ECG changes or are taking vitamin K antagonists which can possible increase coagulation tests and / or bleeding (see section 'Other medicines and Levofloxacin solution for infusion') • You are diabetic • You have ever had liver problems • You have myasthenia gravis (a chronic disease that weakens the muscles) • You have been diagnosed with an enlargement or "bulge" of a large blood vessel (aortic aneurysm or large vessel peripheral aneurysm) • You have experienced a previous episode of aortic dissection (a tear in the aorta wall) • You have been diagnosed with leaking heart valves (heart valve regurgitation) • You have a family history of aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection or congenital heart valve disease, or other risk factors or predisposing conditions (e.g. connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Turner syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome [an inflammatory autoimmune disease], or vascular disorders such as Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis, Behçet's disease, high blood pressure, or known atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis [a disease of the joints] or endocarditis [an infection of the heart]) • You have ever developed a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering and/or mouth sores after taking levofloxacin. If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before being given Levofloxacin solution for infusion. Serious skin reactions
Serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported with the use of levofloxacin. • SJS/TEN can appear initially as reddish target-like spots or circular patches often with central blisters on the trunk. Also, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes (red and swollen eyes) can occur. These serious skin rashes are often preceded by fever and/or flu-like symptoms. The rashes may progress to widespread peeling of the skin and life-threatening complications or be fatal. • DRESS appears initially as flu-like symptoms and a rash on the face then an extended rash with a high body temperature, increased levels of liver enzymes seen in blood tests and an increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophilia) and enlarged lymph nodes. If you develop a serious rash or another of these skin symptoms, stop taking levofloxacin and contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately. When taking this medicine Prolonged, disabling and potentially irreversible serious side effects Fluoroquinolone/quinolone antibacterial medicines, including Levofloxacin, have been associated with rare but serious side effects, some of them being long lasting (continuing for months or years), disabling or potentially irreversible. This includes tendon, muscle and joint pain of the upper and lower limbs, difficulty in walking, abnormal sensations such as pins and needles, tingling, pricking, numbness or burning (paraesthesia), sensory disorders including impairment of vision, taste and smell, and hearing, mental health effects which may include, but are not necessarily limited to, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion or depression, memory impairment, severe fatigue, and severe sleep disorders. There are no medicines that have been established as being effective treatments for the symptoms of long lasting or disabling side effects associated with fluoroquinolones. If you experience any of these side effects after taking Levofloxacin, then do not take any further doses and contact your doctor immediately. You and your doctor will decide on whether to continue treatment, considering alternative options. You may experience psychiatric reactions when taking Levofloxacin, including when taking it for the first time. If you suffer from depression or psychosis, your symptoms may become worse under treatment with Levofloxacin. In rare cases, depression or psychosis can progress to thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. If this happens, stop taking Levofloxacin and contact your doctor immediately. You may not notice some changes in your mood and behaviour so it is very important to tell your friends and family that you are taking Levofloxacin, and that there may be rare psychiatric side effects. Others may notice changes and help you quickly identify any symptoms that you need to talk to your doctor about. Pain and swelling in the joints and inflammation or rupture of tendons may occur rarely. Your risk is increased if you are elderly (above 60 years of age), have received an organ transplant, have kidney problems or if you are being treated with corticosteroids. Inflammation and ruptures of tendons may occur within the first 48 hours of treatment and even up to several months after stopping of Levofloxacin solution for infusion therapy. At the first sign of pain or inflammation of a tendon (for example in your ankle, wrist, elbow, shoulder or knee), stop taking Levofloxacin solution for infusion, contact your doctor and rest the painful area. Avoid any unnecessary exercise as this might increase the risk of a tendon rupture. You may rarely experience symptoms of nerve damage (neuropathy) such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness especially in the feet and legs or hands and arms. If this
happens, stop taking Levofloxacin solution for infusion and inform your doctor immediately in order to prevent the development of potentially irreversible condition. If you feel sudden, severe pain in your abdomen, chest or back, which can be symptoms of aortic aneurysm and dissection, go immediately to an emergency room. Your risk may be increased if you are being treated with systemic corticosteroids. If you start experiencing a rapid onset of shortness of breath, especially when you lie down flat in your bed, or you notice swelling of your ankles, feet or abdomen, or a new onset of heart palpitations (sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat), you should inform a doctor immediately. If you start experiencing sudden involuntary jerks, twitches of the muscles or muscle contractions see a doctor straight away as this could be signs of myoclonus. Your doctor may need to stop treatment with levofloxacin and to start an appropriate treatment. If you feel sick or generally unwell, have severe discomfort or on-going pain or worsening pain in the stomach area or vomiting – see a doctor straight away as this could be a sign of an inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis). If you are experiencing fatigue, skin pale, bruising, uncontrolled bleeding, fever, sore throat and serious deterioration of your general condition, or a feeling that your resistance to infection may be decreased – see a doctor straight away as this could be signs of blood disorders. Your doctor should monitor your blood with blood counts. In case of abnormal blood counts, your doctor may need to stop treatment. Other medicines and Levofloxacin solution for infusion Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This is because Levofloxacin solution for infusion can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way Levofloxacin solution for infusion works. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines. This is because it can increase the chance of you getting side effects, when taken with Levofloxacin solution for infusion: • Corticosteroids – sometimes called steroids – used for inflammation. You may be more likely to have inflammation and / or rupture of your tendons. • Warfarin – used to thin the blood. You may be more likely to have a bleed. Your doctor may need to take regular blood tests to check how well your blood can clot. • Theophylline – used for breathing problems. You are more likely to have a fit (seizure) if taken with levofloxacin. • Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) – used for pain and inflammation such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fenbufen, ketoprofen, indomethacin. You are more likely to have a fit (seizure) if taken with levofloxacin. • Ciclosporin – used after organ transplants. You may be more likely to get the side effects of ciclosporin. • Medicines known to affect the way your heart beats. This includes medicines used for abnormal heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics such as quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide and amiodarone), for depression (tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine), for psychiatric disorders (antipsychotics), and for bacterial infections ('macrolide' antibiotics such as erythromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin). • Probenecid – used for gout. Your doctor may want to use a lower dose, if you have kidney problems.
•
Cimetidine – used for ulcers and heartburn. Your doctor may want to use a lower dose, if you have kidney problems. Tell your doctor if any of the above applies to you. Urine tests for opiates Urine tests may show 'false positive' results for strong painkillers called 'opiates' in people having levofloxacin. If your doctor has prescribed a urine test, tell your doctor that you are having levofloxacin. Tuberculosis tests This medicine may cause 'false negative' results for some laboratory tests that search for the bacteria causing tuberculosis. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Do not have this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you think you might be pregnant or are planning to have a baby. Driving and using machines You may get side effects after being given this medicine, including feeling dizzy, sleepy, a spinning feeling (vertigo) or changes to your eyesight. Some of these side effects can affect you being able to concentrate and your reaction speed. If this happens do not drive or carry out any work that requires a high level of attention. Levofloxacin solution for infusion contains sodium This medicine contains approximately 7 mmol (177 mg) of sodium per 50 ml and 15.4 mmol (354 mg) of sodium per 100 ml. This should be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet and in cases where fluid restriction is required. 3.
How to take Levofloxacin solution for infusion
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Levofloxacin solution for infusion is a medicine for use in hospitals It will be given to you by a doctor or nurse as an injection. The injection will be into one of your veins and be given over a period of time (this is called an intravenous infusion) For 250 mg Levofloxacin solution for infusion, the infusion time should be 30 minutes or more For 500 mg Levofloxacin solution for infusion, the infusion time should be 60 minutes or more Your heart rate and blood pressure should be closely monitored. This is because an unusual fast beating of the heart and a temporary lowering of blood pressure are possible side effects that have been seen during the infusion of a similar antibiotic. If your blood pressure drops noticeably while you are being given the infusion, it will be stopped straight away.
• • •
If you are not sure why you are being given Levofloxacin solution for infusion or have any questions about how much Levofloxacin solution for infusion is being given to you, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. • Your doctor will decide on how much Levofloxacin solution for infusion you should have • The dose will depend on the type of infection you have and where the infection is in your body
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The length of your treatment will depend on how serious your infection is
Adults and the elderly • Pneumonia: 500 mg once or twice daily • Infection of the urinary tract, including your kidneys or bladder: 500 mg once daily • Prostate gland infection: 500 mg once daily • Infection of the skin and underneath the skin, including muscles: 500 mg once or twice daily • Inhalation anthrax exposure: 500 mg once daily Adults and the elderly with kidney problems Your doctor may need to give you a lower dose. Use in children and adolescents This medicine must not be given to children or teenagers. Protect your skin from sunlight Keep out of direct sunlight while having this medicine and for 2 days after you stop having it. This is because your skin will become much more sensitive to the sun and may burn, tingle or severely blister if you do not take the following precautions: • Make sure you use high factor sun cream • Always wear a hat and clothes which cover your arms and legs • Avoid using sun beds If you take more Levofloxacin solution for infusion than you should Your doctor will ensure that you will receive the correct dose into the vein. Your doctor and nurse will monitor your progress, and check the medicine you are given. Always ask if you are not sure why you are getting a dose of medicine. Having too much Levofloxacin may cause the following effects to happen: convulsive fits (seizures), feeling confused, dizzy, less conscious, having tremor and heart problems – leading to uneven heart beats as well as feeling sick (nausea). If you forget to take Levofloxacin solution for infusion Your doctor or nurse will have instructions on when to give you this medicine. It is unlikely that you will not be given the medicine as it has been prescribed. However, if you do think you have missed a dose, tell your doctor or nurse. If you stop using Levofloxacin solution for infusion Your doctor or nurse will continue giving you Levofloxacin, even if you feel better. If it is stopped too soon, the infection may return, your condition may get worse or the bacteria may become resistant to the medicine. After a few days treatment with the solution for infusion, your doctor may decide to switch you to the tablet form of this medicine to complete your course of treatment. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. 4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These effects are normally mild or moderate and often disappear after a short time.
Stop having Levofloxacin solution for infusion and tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you notice the following side effect: Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) • You have an allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue. Stop having Levofloxacin and tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects – you may need urgent medical treatment: Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) • Pain and inflammation in your tendons or ligaments which could lead to rupture. The Achilles tendon is affected most often • Fits (convulsions) • Widespread rash, high body temperature, liver enzyme elevations, blood abnormalities (eosinophilia), enlarged lymph nodes and other body organs involvement (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms which is also known as DRESS or drug hypersensitivity syndrome). See also section 2. • Syndrome associated with impaired water excretion and low levels of sodium (SIADH) Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) • Serious skin rashes including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. These can appear as reddish target-like macules or circular patches often with central blisters on the trunk, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes and can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms. See also section 2. Loss of appetite, skin and eyes becoming yellow in colour, dark-coloured urine, itching, or tender stomach (abdomen). These may be signs of liver problems which may include a fatal failure of the liver • Burning, tingling, pain, or numbness. These may be signs of something called 'neuropathy' • Watery diarrhoea which may have blood in it, possibly with stomach cramps and a high temperature. These could be signs of a severe bowel problem If your eyesight becomes impaired or if you have any other eye disturbances whilst taking Levofloxacin, consult an eye specialist immediately. Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects gets serious or lasts longer than a few days: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • Sleeping problems • Headache, feeling dizzy • Feeling sick (nausea, vomiting) and diarrhoea • Increase in the level of some liver enzymes in your blood • Reactions at the site of infusion • Inflammation of a vein Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) • Changes in the number of other bacteria or fungi, infection by fungi named Candida, which may need to be treated
• • • • • • • •
Changes in the number of white blood cells shown up in the results of some blood tests (leukopenia, eosinophilia) Feeling stressed (anxiety), feeling confused, feeling nervous, feeling sleepy, trembling, a spinning feeling (vertigo) Shortness of breath (dyspnoea) Changes in the way things taste, loss of appetite, stomach upset or indigestion (dyspepsia), pain in your stomach area, feeling bloated (flatulence) or constipation Itching and skin rash, severe itching or hives (urticaria), sweating too much (hyperhidrosis) Joint pain or muscle pain Blood tests may show unusual results due to liver (bilirubin increased) or kidney (creatinine increased) problems General weakness
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) • Cases of long lasting (up to months or years) or permanent adverse drug reactions have been associated with quinolone and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. These may include tendon inflammation, tendon rupture, joint pain, pain in the limbs, difficulty in walking, abnormal sensations such as pins and needles, tingling, pricking, burning, numbness or pain (neuropathy), fatigue, sleep disorders, memory impairment, mental health effects which may include, but are not necessarily limited to, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion or depression, as well as impairment of hearing, vision, and taste and smell. There are no medicines that have been established as being effective treatments for the symptoms of long lasting or disabling side effects associated with fluoroquinolones. • Bruising and bleeding easily due to a lowering in the number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) • Low number of white blood cells (leukopenia) • Exaggerated immune response (hypersensitivity) • Lowering of your blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia). This is important for people that have diabetes • Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations, paranoia), change in your opinion and thoughts (psychotic reactions) • Feeling depressed, feeling restless (agitation), abnormal dreams or nightmares. • Tingly feeling in your hands and feet (paraesthesia) • Problems with your hearing (tinnitus) or eyesight (blurred vision) • Unusual fast beating of your heart (tachycardia), awareness of your heart beat (palpitation), or low blood pressure (hypotension) • Muscle weakness. This is important in people with myasthenia gravis (a rare disease of the nervous system) • Changes in the way your kidney works and occasional kidney failure which may be due to an allergic kidney reaction called interstitial nephritis • Fever • Sharply demarcated, erythematous patches with/without blistering that develop within hours of administration of levofloxacin and heals with post-inflammatory residual hyperpigmentation; it usually recurs at the same site of the skin or mucous membrane upon subsequent exposure to levofloxacin Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) • Lowering in red blood cells (anaemia): this can make the skin pale or yellow due to damage of the red blood cells; lowering in the number of all types of blood cells
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
(pancytopenia) Bone marrow stops producing new blood cells, this may cause tiredness, lower ability to fight infection and uncontrolled bleeding (bone marrow failure) Fever, sore throat and a general feeling of being unwell that does not go away. This may be due to a lowering in the number of white blood cells (agranulocytosis) Loss of circulation (anaphylactic like shock) Increase of your blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) or lowering of your blood sugar levels leading to coma (hypoglycaemic coma). This is important for people that have diabetes Changes in the way things smell, loss of smell or taste (parosmia, anosmia, ageusia) Feeling very excited, elated, agitated or enthusiastic (mania) Problems moving and walking (dyskinesia, extrapyramidal disorders) Temporary loss of consciousness or posture (syncope) Temporary loss of vision Impairment or loss of hearing Abnormal fast heart rhythm, life-threatening irregular heart rhythm including cardiac arrest, alteration of the heart rhythm (called 'prolongation of QT interval', seen on ECG, electrical activity of the heart) Difficulty breathing or wheezing (bronchospasm) Allergic lung reactions Pancreatitis Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) Increased sensitivity of your skin to sun and ultraviolet light (photosensitivity), darker areas of skin (hyperpigmentation) Inflammation of the vessels that carry blood around your body due to an allergic reaction (vasculitis) Inflammation of the tissue inside the mouth (stomatitis) Muscle rupture and muscle destruction (rhabdomyolysis) Joint redness and swelling (arthritis) Pain, including pain in the back, chest and extremities Sudden involuntary jerks, twitches of the muscles or muscle contractions (myoclonus) Attacks of porphyria in people who already have porphyria (a very rare metabolic disease) Persistent headache with or without blurred vision (benign intracranial hypertension) Risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions
Cases of an enlargement and weakening of the aortic wall or a tear in the aortic wall (aneurysms and dissections), which may rupture and may be fatal, and of leaking heart valves have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones. See also section 2. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5.
Levofloxacin solution for infusion
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bag label after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not freeze Store in the original package in order to protect from light. Use only if the solution is clear, yellow to greenish-yellow and does not contain particles. Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Your pharmacist or nurse should throw away any medicines that are no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment. The product should be used immediately after opening.
6.
What Levofloxacin solution for infusion contains The active substance is levofloxacin (as levofloxacin hemihydrate). Each ml contains 5 milligrams levofloxacin (as levofloxacin hemihydrate). The 50 ml bag contains 250 milligrams levofloxacin. The 100 ml bag contains 500 milligrams levofloxacin. The other ingredients are: sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment) and water for injections. What Levofloxacin solution for infusion looks like and contents of the pack Levofloxacin solution for infusion is a clear yellow to a greenish-yellow solution for infusion. Levofloxacin solution for infusion is supplied in infusion bags wrapped in a laminated foil overpouch. Pack sizes: 10 x 50 ml bags 50 x 50 ml bags 10 x 100 ml bags 30 x 100 ml bags Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Istituto Biochimico Italiano G. Lorenzini SpA, via Fossignano 2, 04011 Aprilia (LT), Italy Manufacturer Infomed Fluids SRL 50 Theodor Pallady blvd., District 3, 032266 Bucharest, Romania This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This leaflet was last revised in 04/2025.
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: For single use only. Discard any remaining solution after use. Keep the infusion bag within the overwrap before use, in order to protect from light. No protection from light is necessary during infusion under indoor light conditions. Instruction for use • Inspect the solution prior to administration. It must only be used if the solution is a clear, yellow to greenish-yellow solution, practically free from particles. • Hold the plastic bag with the connection ports uppermost. • Twist off the protection cap from the connection port. • Insert the piercing pin of the intravenous set into the connection port with a twisting motion. • Suspend the bag from the hanger. Method of administration Levofloxacin solution for infusion is only intended for slow intravenous infusion; it is administered once or twice daily. The infusion time must be at least 30 minutes for 250 mg or 60 minutes for 500 mg Levofloxacin solution for infusion. During the infusion time, the patient should be examined for tachycardia (rapid heart beat) and a temporary decrease in blood pressure. In rare cases, as a consequence of a profound drop in blood pressure, circulatory problems may occur. Mixture with other solutions for infusion This medicinal product is compatible with the following solutions for infusion: • Sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %); • Glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %); • Glucose 25 mg/ml (2.5 %) in Ringer's solution. Incompatibilities This medicinal product should not be mixed with • Heparins or • Alkaline solutions (e.g. sodium hydrogen carbonate).
Levofloxacin 500mg/100ml solution for infusion bags (5mg/ml) comes as infusion containing 500mg / 100ml / 5mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Levofloxacin 500mg/100ml solution for infusion bags (5mg/ml) is levofloxacin hemihydrate.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Levofloxacin 500mg/100ml solution for infusion vials (5mg/ml). They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Levofloxacin 500mg/100ml solution for infusion bags (5mg/ml), as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Because of the risk of prolonged, disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse drug reactions (see section 4.4 and section 4.8) this product must only be prescribed when other antibiotics that are commonly recommended for the infection are inappropriate. This applies to all indications listed below. Situations where other antibiotics are considered to be inappropriate are where:
• there is resistance to other first-line antibiotics recommended for the infection;
• other first-line antibiotics are contraindicated in an individual patient;
• other first-line antibiotics have caused side effects requiring treatment to be stopped;
• treatment with other first-line antibiotics has failed.
Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion is indicated in adults for the treatment of the following infections (see sections 4.4 and 5.1):
• Community-acquired pneumonia,
• Complicated skin and soft tissue infections/Complicated skin and skin structure infections.
• Acute pyelonephritis and complicated urinary tract infections (see section 4.4);
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis;
• Inhalation Anthrax: post-exposure prophylaxis and curative treatment (see section 4.4).
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion is administered by slow intravenous infusion once or twice daily. The dosage depends on the type and severity of the infection and the susceptibility of the presumed causative pathogen. Treatment with Levofloxacin after initial use of the intravenous preparation may be completed with an appropriate oral presentation according to the SPC for the film-coated tablets and as considered appropriate for the individual patient. Given the bioequivalence of the parenteral and oral forms, the same dosage can be used.
Posology
The following dose recommendations can be given for Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion:
Dosage in patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance > 50 ml/min)
Indication
Daily dose regimen
(according to severity)
Total duration of treatment 1
(according to severity)
Community-acquired pneumonia
500 mg once or twice daily
7–14 days
Acute pyelonephritis
500 mg once daily
7–10 days
Complicated urinary tract infections
500 mg once daily
7-14 days
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
500 mg once daily
28 days
Complicated skin and soft tissue infections/Complicated skin and skin structure infections
500 mg once or twice daily
7–14 days
Inhalation anthrax
500 mg once daily
8 weeks
1 Treatment duration includes intravenous plus oral treatment. The time to switch from intravenous to oral treatment depends on the clinical situation but is normally 2 to 4 days.
Special populations
Patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤ 50 ml/min)
Dose regimen
250 mg/24 h
500 mg/24 h
500 mg/12 h
Creatinine clearance
first dose: 250 mg
first dose: 500 mg
first dose: 500 mg
50-20 ml/min
then: 125 mg/24 h
then: 250 mg/24 h
then: 250 mg/12 h
19-10 ml/min
then: 125 mg/48 h
then: 125 mg/24 h
then: 125 mg/12 h
< 10 ml/min (including haemodialysis and CAPD) 1
then: 125 mg/48 h
then: 125 mg/24 h
then: 125 mg/24 h
1 No additional doses are required after haemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
Patients with hepatic impairment
No adjustment of dose is required since levofloxacin is not metabolised to any relevant extent by the liver and is mainly excreted by the kidneys.
Older people
No adjustment of dose is required in the elderly, other than that imposed by consideration of renal function (see section 4.4 “Tendinitis and tendon rupture” and “QT interval prolongation”).
Paediatric population
Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion is contraindicated in children and growing adolescents (see section 4.3).
Method of administration
Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion is only intended for slow intravenous infusion; it is administered once or twice daily. The infusion time must be at least 30 minutes for 250 mg or 60 minutes for 500 mg Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion (see section 4.4).
For incompatibilities see section 6.2 and for compatibility with other infusion solutions (see section 6.6).
Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion must not be used in:
• Patients hypersensitive to levofloxacin or any other quinolone and any of the excipients listed in section 6.1;
• Patients with epilepsy;
• Patients with a history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone administration;
• Children or growing adolescents;
• Pregnant women;
• Breast-feeding women.
Prolonged, disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse drug reactions
Cases of prolonged (continuing for months or years), disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse drug reactions affecting different, sometimes multiple, body systems (including musculoskeletal, nervous, psychiatric and senses) have been reported in patients receiving quinolones and fluoroquinolones irrespective of their age and pre-existing risk factors. There are no pharmacological treatments established to be effective treatments of the symptoms of long lasting or disabling side effects associated with fluoroquinolones. Levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately at the first signs or symptoms of any serious adverse reaction and patients should be advised to contact their prescriber for advice, so that symptoms can be appropriately investigated and to avoid further exposure which could potentially worsen adverse reactions.
The use of levofloxacin should be avoided in patients who have experienced serious adverse reactions in the past when using quinolone or fluoroquinolone containing products (see section 4.8). Treatment of these patients with levofloxacin should only be initiated in the absence of alternative treatment options and after careful benefit/risk assessment (see also section 4.3).
Epidemiologic studies report an increased risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection after intake of fluoroquinolones, particularly in the older population.
Therefore, fluoroquinolones should only be used after careful benefit-risk assessment and after consideration of other therapeutic options in patients with positive family history of aneurysm disease, or in patients diagnosed with pre-existing aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection, or in presence of other risk factors or conditions predisposing for aortic aneurysm and dissection (e.g. Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis, Behcet's disease, hypertension, known atherosclerosis).
In case of sudden abdominal, chest or back pain, patients should be advised to immediately consult a physician in an emergency department.
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus are very likely to possess co-resistance to fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin. Therefore levofloxacin is not recommended for the treatment of known or suspected MRSA infections unless laboratory results have confirmed susceptibility of the organism to levofloxacin (and commonly recommended antibacterial agents for the treatment of MRSA-infections are considered inappropriate).
Resistance to fluoroquinolones of E. coli - the most common pathogen involved in urinary tract infections - varies across the European Union. Prescribers are advised to take into account the local prevalence of resistance in E. coli to fluoroquinolones.
Inhalation Anthrax: Use in humans is based on in vitro Bacillus anthracis susceptibility data and on animal experimental data together with limited human data. Treating physicians should refer to national and/or international consensus documents regarding the treatment of anthrax.
Infusion Time
The recommended infusion time of at least 30 minutes for 250 mg or 60 minutes for 500 mg Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion should be observed. It is known for ofloxacin that during infusion tachycardia and a temporary decrease in blood pressure may develop. In rare cases, as a consequence of a profound drop in blood pressure, circulatory collapse may occur. Should a conspicuous drop in blood pressure occur during infusion of levofloxacin, (l-isomer of ofloxacin) the infusion must be halted immediately.
Sodium content
This medicinal product contains approximately 7.7 mmol (177 mg) sodium per 50 ml and 15.4 mmol (354 mg) per 100 ml. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet and in cases where fluid restriction is required.
Tendinitis and tendon rupture
Tendinitis and tendon rupture (especially but not limited to Achilles tendon), sometimes bilateral, may occur as early as within 48 hours of starting treatment with quinolones and fluoroquinolones and have been reported to occur even up to several months after discontinuation of treatment. The risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in older patients, patients with renal impairment, patients with solid organ transplants, in patients receiving daily doses of 1000 mg levofloxacin and those treated concurrently with corticosteroids. Therefore, concomitant use of corticosteroids should be avoided.
At the first sign of tendinitis (e.g. painful swelling, inflammation) the treatment with levofloxacin should be discontinued and alternative treatment should be considered. The affected limb(s) should be appropriately treated (e.g. immobilisation). Corticosteroids should not be used if signs of tendinopathy occur.
Myoclonus
Cases of myoclonus have been reported in patients receiving levofloxacin (see section 4.8). The risk of myoclonus is increased in older patients, and in patients with renal impairment if the dose of levofloxacin is not adjusted as per the creatinine clearance. Levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately at the first occurrence of myoclonus and appropriate treatment should be initiated.
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis may be observed in patients taking levofloxacin. Patients should be informed of the characteristic symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Patients experiencing nausea, malaise, abdominal discomfort, acute abdominal pain or vomiting should have a prompt medical evaluation. If acute pancreatitis is suspected, levofloxacin should be discontinued; if confirmed, levofloxacin should not be restarted. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of pancreatitis (see section 4.8).
Clostridium difficile-associated disease
Diarrhoea, particularly if severe, persistent and/or bloody, during or after treatment with levofloxacin (including several weeks after treatment), may be symptomatic of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD). CDAD may range in severity from mild to life threatening, the most severe form of which is pseudomembranous colitis (see section 4.8). It is therefore important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop serious diarrhoea during or after treatment with levofloxacin. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, levofloxacin should be stopped immediately and appropriate treatment initiated without delay. Anti-peristaltic medicinal products are contraindicated in this clinical situation.
Patients predisposed to seizures
Quinolones may lower the seizure threshold and may trigger seizures.
Levofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a history of epilepsy (see section 4.3) and, as with other quinolones, should be used with extreme caution in patients predisposed to seizures or concomitant treatment with active substances that lower the cerebral seizure threshold, such as theophylline (see section 4.5). In case of convulsive seizures (see section 4.8), treatment with levofloxacin should be discontinued.
Patients with G-6- phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Patients with latent or actual defects in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity may be prone to haemolytic reactions when treated with quinolone antibacterial agents. Therefore, if levofloxacin has to be used in these patients, potential occurrence of haemolysis should be monitored.
Patients with renal impairment
Since levofloxacin is excreted mainly by the kidneys, the dose of Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.2).
Hypersensitivity reactions
Levofloxacin can cause serious, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. angioedema up to anaphylactic shock), occasionally following the initial dose (see section 4.8). Patients should discontinue treatment immediately and contact their physician or an emergency physician, who will initiate appropriate emergency measures.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN: also known as Lyell's syndrome), Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which could be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported with levofloxacin (see section 4.8). At the time of prescription, patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions, and be closely monitored. If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear, levofloxacin should be discontinued immediately and an alternative treatment should be considered. If the patient has developed a serious reaction such as SJS, TEN or DRESS with the use of levofloxacin, treatment with levofloxacin must not be restarted in this patient at any time.
Dysglycaemia
As with all quinolones, disturbances in blood glucose, including both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia have been reported, usually in diabetic patients receiving concomitant treatment with an oral hypoglycaemic agent (e.g. glibenclamide) or with insulin. Cases of hypoglycaemic coma have been reported. In diabetic patients, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended (see section 4.8).
Prevention of photosensitisation
Photosensitisation has been reported with levofloxacin (see section 4.8). It is recommended that patients should not expose themselves unnecessarily to strong sunlight or to artificial UV rays (e.g. sunray lamp, solarium), during treatment and for 48 hours following treatment discontinuation in order to prevent photosensitisation.
Patients treated with Vitamin K antagonists
Due to possible increase in coagulation tests (PT/INR) and/or bleeding in patients treated with levofloxacin in combination with a vitamin K antagonist (e.g. warfarin), coagulation tests should be monitored when these drugs are given concomitantly (see section 4.5).
Psychotic reactions
Psychotic reactions have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including levofloxacin. In very rare cases these have progressed to suicidal thoughts and self-endangering behaviour- sometimes after only a single dose of levofloxacin (see section 4.8). In the event that the patient develops these reactions, levofloxacin should be discontinued and appropriate measures instituted. Caution is recommended if levofloxacin is to be used in psychotic patients or in patients with history of psychiatric disease.
QT interval prolongation
Caution should be taken when using fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, in patients with known risk factors for prolongation of the QT interval such as, for example:
• Congenital long QT syndrome.
• Concomitant use of drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval (e.g. Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotics).
• Uncorrected electrolyte imbalance (e.g. hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia).
• Cardiac disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, bradycardia).
Elderly patients and women may be more sensitive to QTc-prolonging medications. Therefore, caution should be taken when using fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, in these populations. (See sections 4.2, 4.5, 4.8, and 4.9).
Peripheral neuropathy
Cases of sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy resulting in paraesthesia, hypaesthesia, dysesthesia, or weakness have been reported in patients receiving quinolones and fluoroquinolones. Patients under treatment with levofloxacin should be advised to inform their doctor prior to continuing treatment if symptoms of neuropathy such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness develop in order to prevent the development of potentially irreversible condition. (see section 4.8)
Hepatobiliary disorders
Cases of hepatic necrosis up to fatal hepatic failure have been reported with levofloxacin, primarily in patients with severe underlying diseases, e.g. sepsis (see section 4.8). Patients should be advised to stop treatment and contact their doctor if signs and symptoms of hepatic disease develop such as anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, pruritus or tender abdomen.
Exacerbation of myasthenia gravis
Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, have neuromuscular blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Post-marketing serious adverse reactions, including deaths and the requirements for respiratory support, have been associated with fluoroquinolone use in patients with myasthenia gravis. Levofloxacin is not recommended in patients with a known history of myasthenia gravis.
Vision disorders
If vision becomes impaired or any effects on the eyes are experienced, an eye specialist should be consulted immediately (see sections 4.7 and 4.8).
Superinfection
The use of levofloxacin, especially if prolonged, may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Blood disorders
Bone marrow failure including leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia, or agranulocytosis may develop during treatment with levofloxacin (see section 4.8). If any of these blood disorders is suspected, blood counts should be monitored. In case of abnormal results, discontinuation of treatment with levofloxacin should be considered.
Interference with laboratory test
In patients treated with levofloxacin, determination of opiates in urine may give false-positive results. It may be necessary to confirm positive opiate screens by more specific method.
Levofloxacin may inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and, therefore, may give false-negative results in the bacteriological diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Effect of other medicinal products on Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion
Theophylline, fenbufen or similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
No pharmacokinetic interactions of levofloxacin were found with theophylline in a clinical study. However a pronounced lowering of the cerebral seizure threshold may occur when quinolones are given concurrently with theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other agents which lower the seizure threshold.
Levofloxacin concentrations were about 13% higher in the presence of fenbufen than when administered alone.
Probenecid and cimetidine
Probenecid and cimetidine had a statistically significant effect on the elimination of levofloxacin.
The renal clearance of levofloxacin was reduced by cimetidine (24%) and probenecid (34%). This is because both drugs are capable of blocking the renal tubular secretion of levofloxacin. However, at the tested doses in the study, the statistically significant kinetic differences are unlikely to be of clinical relevance.
Caution should be exercised when levofloxacin is co-administered with drugs that affect the tubular renal secretion such as probenecid and cimetidine, especially in renally impaired patients.
Other relevant information
Clinical pharmacology studies have shown that the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin was not affected to any clinically relevant extent when levofloxacin was administered together with the following drugs: calcium carbonate, digoxin, glibenclamide, ranitidine.
Effect of Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion on other medicinal products
Ciclosporin
The half-life of ciclosporin was increased by 33% when co-administered with levofloxacin.
Vitamin K antagonists
Increased coagulation tests (PT/INR) and/or bleeding, which may be severe, have been reported in patients treated with levofloxacin in combination with a vitamin K antagonist (e.g. warfarin). Coagulation tests, therefore, should be monitored in patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (see section 4.4)
Drugs known to prolong QT interval
Levofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, should be used with caution in patients receiving drugs known to prolong the QT interval (e.g. Class IA and III anti-arrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotics) (see section 4.4 QT interval prolongation).
Other relevant information
In a pharmacokinetic interaction study, levofloxacin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of theophylline (which is a probe substrate for CYP1A2), indicating that levofloxacin is not a CYP1A2 inhibitor.
Pregnancy
There are no or limited amount of data from the use of levofloxacin in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). However in the absence of human data and due to the fact that experimental data suggest a risk of damage by fluoroquinolones to the weight-bearing cartilage of the growing organism, levofloxacin must not be used in pregnant women (see sections 4.3 and 5.3).
Breast-feeding
Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion is contraindicated in breast-feeding women. There is insufficient information on the excretion of levofloxacin in human milk; however other fluoroquinolones are excreted in breast milk. In the absence of human data and due to the fact that experimental data suggest a risk of damage by fluoroquinolones to the weight-bearing cartilage of the growing organism, levofloxacin must not be used in breast-feeding women (see sections 4.3 and 5.3).
Fertility
Levofloxacin caused no impairment of fertility or reproductive performance in rats.
Some undesirable effects such as dizziness/vertigo, drowsiness, visual disturbances may impair the patient's ability to concentrate and react, and therefore may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or operating machinery).
The information given below is based on data from clinical studies in more than 8300 patients and on extensive post marketing experience.
The adverse reactions are described according to the MedDRA system organ class in the table below.
Frequencies in this table are defined using the following convention:
Very common (≥ 1/10),
Common (≥ 1/100, < 1/10),
Uncommon (≥ 1/1000, < 1/100),
Rare (≥ 1/10000, < 1/1000),
Very rare (< 1/10000),
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
System Organ Class
Very Common
(≥ 1/10)
Common
(≥ 1/100 to < 1/10)
Uncommon
(≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100
Rare
(≥ 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000
Very Rare
(<1/10000)
Not known
Cannot be estimated from the available data
Infections and infestations
Fungal infection including Candida infection
Pathogen resistance
Blood and the lymphatic system disorders
Leukopenia
Eosinophilia
Thrombocytopenia
Neutropenia
Bone marrow failure including aplastic anaemia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, haemolytic anaemia
Immune system disorders
Angioedema Hypersensitivity (see section 4.4)
Anaphylactic shocka
Anaphylactoid shocka (see section 4.4)
Endocrine disorders
Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Anorexia
Hypoglycemia particularly in diabetic patients (see section 4.4)
Hyperglycaemia
Hypoglycaemic coma (see section 4.4)
Psychiatric disorders*
Insomnia
Anxiety
Confusional state
Nervousness
Psychotic reactions (with e.g. hallucination, paranoia)
Depression
Agitation
Abnormal dreams
Nightmares
Psychotic disorders with self-endangering behaviour including suicidal ideation or suicide attempt (see section 4.4)
Mania
Nervous system disorders*
Headache
Dizziness
Somnolence
Tremor
Dysgeusia
Convulsion (see sections 4.3 and 4.4)
Paraesthesia
Peripheral sensory neuropathy (see section 4.4)
Peripheral sensory motor neuropathy (see section 4.4)
Parosmia including anosmia
Dyskinesia
Extrapyramidal disorder
Ageusia
Syncope
Benign intracranial hypertension
Myoclonus
Eye disorders*
Visual disturbances such as blurred vision (see section 4.4)
Transient vision loss (see section 4.4)
Ear and Labyrinth disorders*
Vertigo
Tinnitus
Hearing loss
Hearing impaired
Cardiac disorders
Tachycardia,
Palpitation
Ventricular tachycardia, which may result in cardiac arrest Ventricular arrhythmia and torsade de pointes (reported predominantly in patients with risk factors of QT prolongation), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (see sections 4.4 and 4.9)
Vascular disorders
Phlebitis
Hypotension
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnoea
Bronchospasm
Pneumonitis allergic
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Dyspepsia
Flatulence
Constipation
Diarrhoea –haemorrhagic which in very rare cases may be indicative of enterocolitis, including pseudomembranous colitis (see section 4.4)
Pancreatitis
Hepatobiliary disorders
Hepatic enzyme increased (ALT/AST, alkaline phosphatase, GGT)
Blood bilirubin increased
Jaundice and severe liver injury, including fatal cases with acute liver failure, primarily in patients with severe underlying diseases (see section 4.4)
Hepatitis
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersb
Rash
Pruritus
Urticaria
Hyperhidrosis
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) (see section 4.4), Fixed drug eruption
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Erythema multiforme
Photosensitivity reaction (see section 4.4)
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Stomatitis
Skin hyperpigmentation
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders*
Arthralgia
Myalgia
Tendon disorders (see sections 4.3 and 4.4) including tendinitis and tendon rupture (e.g. Achilles tendon)
Muscular weakness which may be of special importance in patients with myasthenia gravis (see section 4.4)
Rhabdomyolysis
Ligament rupture
Muscle rupture
Arthritis
Renal and urinary disorders
Blood creatinine increased
Renal failure acute (e.g. due to interstitial nephritis)
General disorders and administration site conditions*
Infusion site reaction (pain, reddening)
Asthenia
Pyrexia
Pain (including pain in back, chest, and extremities)
a Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions may sometimes occur even after the first dose.
b Mucocutaneous reactions may sometimes occur even after the first dose.
* Cases of prolonged (up to months or years), disabling and potentially irreversible serious drug reactions affecting several, sometimes multiple, system organ classes and senses (including reactions such as tendonitis, tendon rupture, arthralgia, pain in extremities, gait disturbance, neuropathies associated with paraesthesia, fatigue, psychiatric symptoms, memory impairment, and impairment of hearing, vision, taste and smell) have been reported in association with the use of quinolones and fluoroquinolones in some cases irrespective of pre-existing risk factors (see Section 4.4). A range of psychiatric symptoms may occur as part of these side effects, which may include, but are not necessarily limited to, sleep disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion, or depression. There are no pharmacological treatments established to be effective treatments of the symptoms of long lasting or disabling side effects associated with fluoroquinolones. The frequency of these prolonged, disabling and potentially irreversible serious drug reactions cannot be estimated with precision using available data, but the reporting incidence from adverse drug reaction reports indicates the frequency is at minimum between 1/1,000 and 1/10,000 (corresponding to the Rare frequency category).
Other undesirable effects which have been associated with fluoroquinolone administration include:
• Attacks of porphyria in patients with porphyria.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
According to toxicity studies in animals or clinical pharmacology studies performed with supra-therapeutic doses, the most important signs to be expected following acute overdose of Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml Solution for Infusion are central nervous system symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, impairment of consciousness, and convulsive seizures, increases in QT interval.
CNS effects including confusional state, convulsion, myoclonus, hallucination, and tremor have been observed in post marketing experience.
In the event of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be implemented. ECG monitoring should be undertaken, because of the possibility of QT interval prolongation. Haemodialysis, including peritoneal dialysis and CAPD, are not effective in removing levofloxacin from the body. No specific antidote exists.
Ask anything about Levofloxacin 500mg/100ml solution for infusion bags (5mg/ml). The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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