Spectrum of Antimicrobial Activity
The drug possesses a broad spectrum of activity covering numerous clinically significant pathogens. This versatility allows its use in both empirical and targeted therapy.
- Gram-positive flora: effectively inhibits the growth and reproduction of staphylococci, enterococci, and pneumococci.
- Gram-negative aerobes: the activity spectrum includes various enterobacteria (including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus species). Additionally, it is active against Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Intracellular pathogens: successfully used for the eradication of challenging pathogens such as Legionella, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia species.
- Specific pathogens: high activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been established, making it an important agent in phthisiology.
Main Clinical Indications
Levofloxacin can be administered both intravenously and orally, ensuring convenience in step-down therapy for infectious diseases.
- Respiratory tract and ENT infections: a drug of choice for lower respiratory tract infections such as community-acquired pneumonia and bronchitis. In otolaryngology, it is indicated for acute sinusitis.
- Urological practice: proven efficacy in the treatment of pyelonephritis and chronic bacterial prostatitis.
- Surgical and systemic infections: successfully combats skin and soft tissue infections, and is used for intra-abdominal infections.
- Ophthalmology: formulated as eye drops for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Specific therapy: invariably included in combination regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety Profile
The pharmacokinetic characteristics and safety profile distinguish this drug from other members of the fluoroquinolone class.
- Absorption and distribution: oral bioavailability reaches 99%. This means that the active substance concentration in the blood is nearly identical following oral and intravenous administration.
- Dosing regimen: in most clinical situations, the drug is administered twice daily.
- Tolerability: in contemporary clinical practice, levofloxacin is considered one of the safer fluoroquinolones. It is characterized by extremely low hepatotoxicity and exerts minimal adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system.