| Indication | For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms: Corynebacterium species, Staphylococus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (Groups C/F/G), Viridans group streptococci, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Haemophilus influenzae, Serratia marcescens. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antiinfective, is the optically active L-isomer of ofloxacin. Levofloxacin is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia and pneumonia caused by penicillin-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, skin and skin structure infections, complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis. |
| Mechanism of action | Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial type II topoisomerases, topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase. Levofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, inhibits the A subunits of DNA gyrase, two subunits encoded by the gyrA gene. This results in strand breakage on a bacterial chromosome, supercoiling, and resealing; DNA replication and transcription is inhibited. |
| Absorption | Absorption of ofloxacin after single or multiple doses of 200 to 400 mg is predictable, and the amount of drug absorbed increases proportionately with the dose. |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | 24-38% (to plasma proteins) |
| Metabolism | Mainly excreted as unchanged drug (87%); undergoes limited metabolism in humans. |
| Route of elimination | Mainly excreted as unchanged drug in the urine. |
| Half life | 6-8 hours |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| Toxicity | Side effects include disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, hot and cold flashes, nausea, slurring of speech, swelling and numbness in the face |