levofloxacin ophthalmic

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

levofloxacin ophthalmic inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase, enzymes that are essential for bacterial DNA replication, repair, and transcription.  

By interfering with these processes, levofloxacin prevents the bacteria from multiplying and ultimately leads to their death. levofloxacin ophthalmic has a spectrum of activity against various bacteria, making it effective against a wide range of eye infections.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Transient decrease in vision 

Headache 

Allergic reactions 

Lid edema 

Photophobia 

Ocular dryness 

Ocular itching 

Foreign body sensation  

Fever 

Pharyngitis 

Transient ocular burning 

Ocular pain or discomfort 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• levofloxacin ophthalmic should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to levofloxacin or any other components of the ophthalmic solution. 

Caution: 

• It is recommended to remove contact lenses before applying the eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. 
• Caution should be taken in patients with a history of tendon disorders. 
• Prolonged use of levofloxacin ophthalmic can result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: C 

Lactation: It may be distributed into human milk 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

levofloxacin ophthalmic belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. These enzymes are involved in DNA replication, repair, and transcription in bacteria. By interfering with their function, levofloxacin prevents the bacteria from replicating and dividing leading to their death. 

Pharmacodynamics 

levofloxacin ophthalmic demonstrates concentration-dependent bactericidal activity. The higher the concentration of levofloxacin at the site of infection, the more effective it is in killing bacteria.  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

levofloxacin ophthalmic is absorbed through the cornea, it is the transparent front part of the eye. 

Distribution 

levofloxacin ophthalmic distributes into the anterior chamber of the eye and various ocular tissues. 

Metabolism 

levofloxacin is not significantly metabolized in the body after ophthalmic application. 

Elimination and excretion 

levofloxacin ophthalmic and its metabolites are excreted through the kidneys.

Adminstartion

Administration 

levofloxacin ophthalmic solution is applied directly to the eye, in the form of eye drops.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: levofloxacin ophthalmic 

Why do we use levofloxacin ophthalmic? 

levofloxacin eye drops are commonly used for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.  

levofloxacin ophthalmic helps to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection, reducing redness, irritation, and discharge associated with conjunctivitis.