Name:  Levofloxacin

Synonyms:  LVFX; RWJ 25213; L-Ofloxacin; Ophthalmic; (-)-(S)-9-Fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazin-yl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido(1,2,3-de)-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid

Molecular Structure:  

Molecular Formula:  C₁₈H₂₀FN₃O₄

Molecular Weight:  361.37

CAS Number:  100986-85-4

 

Levofloxacin is a synthetic chemotherapeutic agent used to treat severe and life threatening bacterial infections. Levofloxacin is a member of the fluoroquinolone class of antibacterials. Investigation of ofloxacin's racemic nature led to the discovery of a more active l-form, leading to the development of levofloxacin.

Levofloxacin interacts with a number of other drugs, as well as a number of herbal and natural supplements. Such interactions increase the risk of cardiotoxicity and arrhythmias, anticoagulation, the formation of non-absorbable complexes, as well as increasing the risk of toxicity. Levofloxacin is associated with a number of serious and life threatening adverse reactions as well as spontaneous tendon ruptures and irreversible peripheral neuropathy. Such reactions may manifest long after therapy had been completed and in severe cases may result in life long disabilities. Hepatoxicity has also been reported with the use of levofloxacin.

In the adult population Oral and I.V. levofloxacin is limited to the treatment of proven serious and life threatening bacterial infections such as: Nosocomial Pneumonia, Community-acquired pneumonia, Acute Bacterial Sinusitis, Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis, Skin and Skin Structure Infections, Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis, Urinary Tract Infections, Acute Pyelonephritis, and Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure).In the pediatric population Oral and I.V. levofloxacin is limited to the treatment of only one proven serious and life threatening bacterial infection. Levofloxacin may be licensed for other uses, or restricted, by the various regulatory agencies worldwide.