Levofloxacin Injection (Levofloxacin Hemihydrate)

Adult administration

1. Typically administered via intravenous drip once or twice daily. The dosage will depend on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the susceptibility of the suspected causative organism. Generally, after a few days of intravenous administration, it can be switched to oral formulation depending on the patient's condition. In such cases, the dosage will be the same as the intravenous dosage. 2. The duration of treatment varies based on the progression of the disease; generally, the medication (whether injection or pill) should be continued for at least 48 to 72 hours after evidence of defervescence or sterility is achieved. 3. Administration Method: This medication should only be administered via intravenous infusion. It can also be given once or twice a day for a maximum of 14 days with a minimum infusion time of 60 minutes (see warnings). Depending on the patient's condition, switching to the same dosage of oral administration may be possible within a few days following initial intravenous application. 4. Recommended Dosing: 1) Patients with normal kidney function (Creatinine clearance > 50 mL/min): Indications: Daily dose prescribing (depending on patient condition) Community-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg once or twice a day Acute pyelonephritis and complicated urinary tract infections: 250 mg once a day Complicated skin and soft tissue infections: 500 mg twice a day Acute sinusitis: 500 mg once a day Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: 500 mg once a day * Dosing may be increased in cases of severe infections. 2) Patients with impaired kidney function (Creatinine clearance ≤ 50 mL/min): 250 mg/24 hours 500 mg/24 hours 500 mg/12 hours Creatinine clearance: Initial dose 250 mg Initial dose 500 mg Initial dose 500 mg 50 to 20 mL/min: Then 125 mg/24 hours Then 250 mg/24 hours Then 250 mg/12 hours 19 to 10 mL/min: Then 125 mg/48 hours Then 125 mg/24 hours Then 125 mg/12 hours Less than 10 mL/min (including dialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis): Then 125 mg/48 hours Then 125 mg/24 hours Then 125 mg/24 hours * No additional dosing is needed after hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. 3) Patients with liver function impairment: Levofloxacin has minimal metabolism related to the liver and is mostly excreted through the kidneys, so no dosage adjustment is necessary. 4) Dosing in the elderly: Generally, dosage adjustment is not needed except when considering kidney function.

This medication can cause tendon-related diseases such as tendonitis or tendon rupture; therefore, it must be stopped immediately if pain or inflammation in the tendon occurs. Peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system symptoms may also present; if any neurological abnormalities occur, medication should be discontinued immediately. It is not safe to use this medication in patients with myasthenia gravis, as it may exacerbate symptoms. This medication should be slowly infused intravenously over a designated time, and if blood pressure drops sharply during infusion, administration must be stopped immediately. Elderly patients, those with reduced kidney function, and patients taking corticosteroids are at higher risk for tendonitis and tendon rupture, so caution is necessary. Severe allergic reactions such as hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis may occur. If symptoms such as skin rash or difficulty breathing appear, discontinue use immediately and consult medical personnel. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea are common, and in rare cases, gastrointestinal bleeding or severe enteritis may occur, so caution is warranted. Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as headache, dizziness, insomnia may arise; in severe cases, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures may occur. If any abnormal symptoms appear, inform healthcare providers immediately. Cardiac side effects such as tachycardia, hypotension, and QT interval prolongation have been reported, requiring caution in patients with heart disease. Due to the potential impact on blood sugar control, diabetic patients should frequently monitor their blood sugar levels and receive immediate treatment if hypoglycemia symptoms occur. It is safe not to use this medication in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children and adolescents in their growth phase. This medication may interact with certain specific drugs, so it is essential to inform medical personnel of any concomitant medications. When using the drug, avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, and be cautious of dizziness or drowsiness when driving or operating machinery. In the event of overdose, central nervous system symptoms and cardiac abnormalities may occur, necessitating immediate medical treatment. Lastly, this medication should only be used for the minimum duration needed to treat infections to prevent the development of resistant bacteria; if abnormal symptoms occur during use, consult medical personnel immediately.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (including angioedema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactic shock), severe skin adverse reactions (severe blistering rashes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)), respiratory issues (bronchospasm, airway obstruction, acute respiratory distress), liver issues (although jaundice is not specified, hepatitis, acute renal failure),

Mild side effects

• Itching
• rash
• nausea
• diarrhea
• decreased appetite
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• dyspepsia
• abdominal bloating
• constipation

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container that blocks light and at a temperature between 1°C and 30°C. Proper storage can help maintain the effectiveness of the medication and prevent degradation.

Appearance

A clear yellow solution with a pale green tint inside a colorless transparent vial.

Package unit

1 vial/box [50 milliliters/vial], 1 vial/box [100 milliliters/vial], 1 vial/box [150 milliliters/vial], 10 vials/box [50 milliliters/vial], 10 vials/box [100 milliliters/vial], 10 vials/box [150 milliliters/vial]