Levofloxacin ophthalmic dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Sections

Sections levofloxacin ophthalmic
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic solution

0.5%

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Solution 0.5%

1-2 gtt in affected eye(s) q2hr on days 1-2, while awake, up to 8 times/day, THEN

1-2 gtt q4hr; not to exceed four times daily on days 3-7

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic solution

0.5%
1.5%

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Ophth soln 0.5%

<1 year: Safety & efficacy not established

1 year or older: 1-2 gtt in affected eye(s) q2hr on days 1-2, while awake, up to 8 times/day, THEN 1-2 gtt q4hr; not to exceed QID on days 3-7

Frequency Not Defined

Transient decrease in vision

Transient ocular burning

Ocular pain or discomfort

Foreign body sensation

Headache

Fever

Pharyngitis

Photophobia

Allergic reactions

Lid edema

Ocular dryness

Ocular itching

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to quinolones or any component

Cautions

May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi

Some pts may require slit-lamp biomicroscopy & fluorescein staining

serious hypersensitivity reactions with systemic use of fluoroquinolones reported; use caution

Safety and efficacy on children

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: May be distributed into milk; use caution

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolyzing), a type II DNA topoisomerase commonly referred to as DNA-gyrase, in susceptible organisms; promotes breakage of DNA strands, inhibits relaxation of supercoiled DNA; inhibits DNA repair and recombination

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal with ophthalmic use

Images

No images available for this drug.

Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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