Levaquin

Patient Information

LEVAQUIN^®
(Leave ah kwin)
(levofloxacin) tablets

What is the most important information I should know about LEVAQUIN?

LEVAQUIN, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, can cause serious side effects. Some of these serious side effects can happen at the same time and could result in death.

If you have any of the following serious side effects while you take LEVAQUIN, you should stop taking LEVAQUIN immediately and get medical help right away.

1. Tendon rupture or swelling of the tendon (tendinitis).
   • Tendon problems can happen in people of all ages who take LEVAQUIN. Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Some tendon problems include:
     • pain
     • swelling
     • tears and swelling of tendons including the back of the ankle (Achilles), shoulder, hand, or other tendon sites.
   • The risk of getting tendon problems while you take LEVAQUINis higher if you:
     • are over 60 years of age
     • have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant.
   • Tendon problems can happen in people who do not have the above risk factors when they take LEVAQUIN.
   • Other reasons that can increase your risk of tendon problems can include:
     • physical activity or exercise
     • kidney failure
     • tendon problems in the past, such as in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
   • Stop taking LEVAQUIN immediately and get medical help right away at the first sign of tendon pain, swelling or inflammation. Avoid exercise and using the affected area.
   • The most common area of pain and swelling is the Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle. This can also happen with other tendons. You may need a different antibiotic that is not a fluoroquinolone to treat your infection.
   • Tendon rupture can happen while you are taking or after you have finished taking LEVAQUIN. Tendon ruptures can happen within hours or days of taking LEVAQUIN and have happened up to several months after people have finished taking their fluoroquinolone.
   • Stop taking LEVAQUIN immediately and get medical help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of a tendon rupture:
     • hear or feel a snap or pop in a tendon area
     • bruising right after an injury in a tendon area
     • unable to move the affected area or bear weight
2. Changes in sensation and possible nerve damage (Peripheral Neuropathy). Damage to the nerves in arms, hands, legs, or feet can happen in people who take fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN. Stop taking LEVAQUIN immediately and talk to your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your arms, hands, legs, or feet:
   • pain
   • burning
   • tingling
   • numbness
   • weakness

The nerve damage may be permanent.

3. Central Nervous System (CNS) effects. Seizures have been reported in people who take fluoroquinolone antibacterial medicines, including LEVAQUIN. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures before you start taking LEVAQUIN. CNS side effects may happen as soon as after taking the first dose of LEVAQUIN. Stop taking LEVAQUIN immediately and talk to your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these side effects, or other changes in mood or behavior:
   • seizures
   • hear voices, see things, or sense things that are not there (hallucinations)
   • feel restless
   • tremors
   • feel anxious or nervous
   • confusion
   • depression
   • trouble sleeping
   • nightmares
   • feel lightheaded or dizzy
   • feel more suspicious (paranoia)
   • suicidal thoughts or acts
   • headaches that will not go away, with or without blurred vision
4. Worsening of myasthenia gravis (a problem that causes muscle weakness).
   Fluoroquinolones like LEVAQUINmay cause worsening of myasthenia gravis symptoms, including muscle weakness and breathing problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of myasthenia gravis before you start taking LEVAQUIN. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any worsening muscle weakness or breathing problems.

What is LEVAQUIN?

LEVAQUIN is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic medicine used in adults age 18 years or older to treat certain infections caused by certain germs called bacteria. These bacterial infections include:

• • nosocomial pneumonia
  • community acquired pneumonia
  • skin infections, complicated and uncomplicated
  • chronic prostate infection
  • inhalation anthrax germs
  • plague
  • urinary tract infections, complicated and uncomplicated
  • acute kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

• acute sinus infection
• acute worsening or chronic bronchitis

Studies of LEVAQUIN for use in the treatment of plague and anthrax were done in animals only, because plague and anthrax could not be studied in people.

LEVAQUIN should not be used in patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, or acute bacterial sinusitis if there are other treatment options available.

LEVAQUIN Tablets is also used to treat children who weigh at least 66 pounds (or at least 30 kilograms) and may have breathed in anthrax germs, have plague, or been exposed to plague germs. It is not known if LEVAQUIN is safe and effective in children under 6 months of age.

The safety and effectiveness in children treated with LEVAQUIN^® for more than 14 days is not known.

Who should not take LEVAQUIN?

Do not take LEVAQUIN: if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic known as a fluoroquinolone, or if you are allergic to levofloxacin or any of the ingredients in LEVAQUIN. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in LEVAQUIN.

Before you take LEVAQUIN, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have tendon problems; LEVAQUIN should not be used in people who have a history of tendon problems.
• have a problem that causes muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis); LEVAQUIN should not be used in people who have a known history of myasthenia gravis.
• have central nervous system problems such as seizures (epilepsy).
• have nerve problems; LEVAQUIN should not be used in patients how have a history of a nerve problem called peripheral neuropathy.
• have or anyone in your family has an irregular heartbeat, especially a condition called “QT prolongation.”
• have low blood potassium (hypokalemia).
• have bone problems.
• have joint problems including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• have kidney problems. You may need a lower dose of LEVAQUIN if your kidneys do not work well.
• have liver problems.
• have diabetes or problems with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if LEVAQUIN will harm your unborn child.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if LEVAQUIN passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take LEVAQUIN or breastfeed. You should not do both.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

LEVAQUIN and other medicines can affect each other causing side effects.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

• a steroid medicine.
• an anti-psychotic medicine.
• a tricyclic antidepressant.
• a water pill (diuretic).
• certain medicines may keep LEVAQUIN from working correctly. Take LEVAQUIN^® either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking these medicines or supplements:
  • an antacid, multivitamin, or other medicines or supplements that have magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc
  • sucralfate (Carafate^® )
  • didanosine (Videx^®, Videx^® EC)
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
• an oral anti-diabetes medicine or insulin.
• an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). Many common medicines for pain relief are NSAIDs. Taking an NSAID while you take LEVAQUIN or other fluoroquinolones may increase your risk of central nervous system effects and seizures.
• theophylline (Theo-24^®, Elixophyllin^®, Theochron^®, Uniphyl^®, Theolair^®).
• a medicine to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmics).

Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if any of your medicines are listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take LEVAQUIN?

• Take LEVAQUIN exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
• Take LEVAQUIN at about the same time each day.
• Drink plenty of fluids while you take LEVAQUIN.
• LEVAQUIN can be taken with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of LEVAQUIN, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more than 1 dose in 1 day.
• Do not skip any doses of LEVAQUIN or stop taking it, even if you begin to feel better, until you finish your prescribed treatment unless:
  • you have tendon problems. See “What is the most important information I should know about LEVAQUIN?”.
  • you have a nerve problem. See “What are the possible side effects of LEVAQUIN?”.
  • you have a central nervous system problem. See “What are the possible side effects of LEVAQUIN?”.
  • you have a serious allergic reaction. See “What are the possible side effects of LEVAQUIN?”.
  • your healthcare provider tells you to stop taking LEVAQUIN.

Taking all of your LEVAQUIN doses will help make sure that all of the bacteria are killed. Taking all of your LEVAQUIN doses will help you lower the chance that the bacteria will become resistant to LEVAQUIN. If your infection does not get better while you take LEVAQUIN, it may mean that the bacteria causing your infection may be resistant to LEVAQUIN. If your infection does not get better, call your healthcare provider. If your infection does not get better, LEVAQUIN and other similar antibiotic medicines may not work for you in the future.

• If you take too much LEVAQUIN, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

What should I avoid while taking LEVAQUIN?

• LEVAQUIN can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other activities that require mental alertness or coordination until you know how LEVAQUIN affects you.
• Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and try to limit your time in the sun. LEVAQUIN can make your skin sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity) and the light from sunlamps and tanning beds. You could get severe sunburn, blisters or swelling of your skin. If you get any of these symptoms while you take LEVAQUIN, call your healthcare provider right away. You should use a sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you have to be in sunlight.

What are the possible side effects of LEVAQUIN?

LEVAQUIN may cause serious side effects, including:

• See “What is the most important information I should know about LEVAQUIN?”
• Serious allergic reactions.

Allergic reactions can happen in people taking fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN, even after only 1 dose. Stop taking LEVAQUIN and get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:

• hives
• trouble breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the lips, tongue, face
• throat tightness, hoarseness
• rapid heartbeat
• faint
• skin rash

Skin rash may happen in people taking LEVAQUIN, even after only 1 dose. Stop taking LEVAQUIN at the first sign of a skin rash and immediately call your healthcare provider. Skin rash may be a sign of a more serious reaction to LEVAQUIN.

• Liver damage (hepatotoxicity): Hepatotoxicity can happen in people who take LEVAQUIN^®. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have unexplained symptoms such as:
  • nausea or vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • fever
  • weakness
  • abdominal pain or tenderness
  • itching
  • unusual tiredness
  • loss of appetite
  • light colored bowel movements
  • dark colored urine
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

Stop taking LEVAQUIN and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have yellowing of your skin or white part of your eyes, or if you have dark urine. These can be signs of a serious reaction to LEVAQUIN (a liver problem).

• Intestine infection (Pseudomembranous colitis)
  Pseudomembranous colitis can happen with many antibiotics, including LEVAQUIN. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get watery diarrhea, diarrhea that does not go away, or bloody stools. You may have stomach cramps and a fever. Pseudomembranous colitis can happen 2 or more months after you have finished your antibiotic.
• Serious heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation and torsades depointes)
  Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in your heart beat (a fast or irregular heartbeat), or if you faint. LEVAQUIN may cause a rare heart problem known as prolongation of the QT interval. This condition can cause an abnormal heartbeat and can be very dangerous. The chances of this happening are higher in people:
  • who are elderly
  • with a family history of prolonged QT interval
  • with low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
  • who take certain medicines to control heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics)
• Joint Problems
  Increased chance of problems with joints and tissues around joints in children can happen. Tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child has any joint problems during or after treatment with LEVAQUIN.
• Changes in blood sugar
  People who take LEVAQUINand other fluoroquinolone medicines with oral anti-diabetes medicines or with insulin can get low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for how often to check your blood sugar. If you have diabetes and you get low blood sugar while taking LEVAQUIN, stop taking LEVAQUIN and call your healthcare provider right away. Your antibiotic medicine may need to be changed.
• Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
  See “What should I avoid while taking LEVAQUIN?”
  The most common side effects of LEVAQUIN include:
  • nausea
  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • insomnia
  • constipation
  • dizziness

In children 6 months and older who take LEVAQUIN to treat anthrax disease or plague, vomiting is also common.

LEVAQUIN may cause false-positive urine screening results for opiates when testing is done with some commercially available kits. A positive result should be confirmed using a more specific test. These are not all the possible side effects of LEVAQUIN.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800- FDA-1088.

How should I store LEVAQUIN?

• Store LEVAQUIN at room temperature between 59°F to 86° F (15°C to 30°C).
• Keep LEVAQUIN in a tightly closed container.

General information about the safe and effective use of LEVAQUIN.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use LEVAQUIN for a condition for which it is not prescribed. Do not give LEVAQUIN to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about LEVAQUIN. If you would like more information about LEVAQUIN, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about LEVAQUIN that is written for healthcare professionals.

What are the ingredients in LEVAQUIN?

Active ingredient: levofloxacin

Inactive ingredients : crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, titanium dioxide.

LEVAQUIN 250 mg Tablets also contain synthetic red iron oxide.

LEVAQUIN 500 mg Tablets also contain synthetic red iron oxide and synthetic yellow iron oxide.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Description

LEVAQUIN^® Tablets are synthetic antibacterial agents for oral administration. Chemically, levofloxacin, a chiral fluorinated carboxyquinolone, is the pure (-)-(S)-enantiomer of the racemic drug substance ofloxacin. The chemical name is (-)-(S)-9-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1- piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid hemihydrate.

Figure 1: The Chemical Structure of Levofloxacin

 

The empirical formula is C₁₈H₂₀FN₃O₄ · ½ H₂O and the molecular weight is 370.38. Levofloxacin is a light yellowish-white to yellow-white crystal or crystalline powder. The molecule exists as a zwitterion at the pH conditions in the small intestine.

The data demonstrate that from pH 0.6 to 5.8, the solubility of levofloxacin is essentially constant (approximately 100 mg/mL). Levofloxacin is considered soluble to freely soluble in this pH range, as defined by USP nomenclature. Above pH 5.8, the solubility increases rapidly to its maximum at pH 6.7 (272 mg/mL) and is considered freely soluble in this range. Above pH 6.7, the solubility decreases and reaches a minimum value (about 50 mg/mL) at a pH of approximately 6.9.

Levofloxacin has the potential to form stable coordination compounds with many metal ions. This in vitro chelation potential has the following formation order: Al⁺³>Cu⁺²>Zn⁺²>Mg⁺²>Ca⁺².

LEVAQUIN^® Tablets are available as film-coated tablets and contain the following inactive ingredients:

• 250 mg (as expressed in the anhydrous form): crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, synthetic red iron oxide and titanium dioxide.
• 500 mg (as expressed in the anhydrous form): crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, synthetic red and yellow iron oxides and titanium dioxide.
• 750 mg (as expressed in the anhydrous form): crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, titanium dioxide.

Nosocomial Pneumonia

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Adjunctive therapy should be used as clinically indicated. Where Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a documented or presumptive pathogen, combination therapy with an anti-pseudomonal β-lactam is recommended [see Clinical Studies].

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

7 To 14 Day Treatment Regimen

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae [MDRSP]), Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies].

MDRSP isolates are isolates resistant to two or more of the following antibacterials: penicillin (MIC ≥2 mcg/mL), 2^nd generation cephalosporins, e.g., cefuroxime, macrolides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

5-Day Treatment Regimen

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (excluding multi-drug-resistant isolates [MDRSP]), Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Chlamydophila pneumoniae [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies].

Complicated Skin And Skin Structure Infections

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Proteus mirabilis [see Clinical Studies].

Uncomplicated Skin And Skin Structure Infections

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (mild to moderate) including abscesses, cellulitis, furuncles, impetigo, pyoderma, wound infections, due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pyogenes.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis due to Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, or methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus epidermidis [see Clinical Studies].

Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure)

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) to reduce the incidence or progression of disease following exposure to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis in adults and pediatric patients, 6 months of age and older [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The effectiveness of LEVAQUIN^® is based on plasma concentrations achieved in humans, a surrogate endpoint reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit.

LEVAQUIN^® has not been tested in humans for the post-exposure prevention of inhalation anthrax. The safety of LEVAQUIN^® in adults for durations of therapy beyond 28 days or in pediatric patients for durations of therapy beyond 14 days has not been studied. Prolonged LEVAQUIN^® therapy should only be used when the benefit outweighs the risk [see Clinical Studies].

Plague

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated for treatment of plague, including pneumonic and septicemic plague, due to Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) and prophylaxis for plague in adults and pediatric patients, 6 months of age and older [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Efficacy studies of LEVAQUIN^® could not be conducted in humans with plague for ethical and feasibility reasons. Therefore, approval of this indication was based on an efficacy study conducted in animals [see Clinical Studies].

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

5-Day Treatment Regimen

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Proteus mirabilis [see Clinical Studies].

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

10-Day Treatment Regimen

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (mild to moderate) due to Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa [see Clinical Studies].

Acute Pyelonephritis

5 Or 10-Day Treatment Regimen

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of acute pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli, including cases with concurrent bacteremia [see Clinical Studies].

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (mild to moderate) due to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

Because fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have been associated with serious adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] and for some patients uncomplicated urinary tract infection is self-limiting, reserve LEVAQUIN^® for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in patients who have no alternative treatment options.

Acute Bacterial Exacerbation Of Chronic Bronchitis

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.

Because fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have been associated with serious adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] and for some patients ABECB is self-limiting, reserve LEVAQUIN^® for treatment of ABECB in patients who have no alternative treatment options.

Acute Bacterial Sinusitis

5-Day And 10–14 Day Treatment Regimens

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis [see Clinical Studies].

Because fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have been associated with serious adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] and for some patients ABS is self-limiting, reserve LEVAQUIN^® for treatment of ABS in patients who have no alternative treatment options.

Usage

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of LEVAQUIN^® and other antibacterial drugs, LEVAQUIN^® should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Culture And Susceptibility Testing

Appropriate culture and susceptibility tests should be performed before treatment in order to isolate and identify organisms causing the infection and to determine their susceptibility to levofloxacin [see Microbiology]. Therapy with LEVAQUIN^® may be initiated before results of these tests are known; once results become available, appropriate therapy should be selected.

As with other drugs in this class, some isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa may develop resistance fairly rapidly during treatment with LEVAQUIN^® . Culture and susceptibility testing performed periodically during therapy will provide information about the continued susceptibility of the pathogens to the antimicrobial agent and also the possible emergence of bacterial resistance.

Dosage And Administration

Dosage Of LEVAQUIN^® Tablets In Adult Patients With Creatinine Clearance ≥ 50 mL/Minute

The usual dose of LEVAQUIN^® Tablets is 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg administered orally every 24 hours, as indicated by infection and described in Table 1.

These recommendations apply to patients with creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/minute. For patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min, adjustments to the dosing regimen are required [see Dosage Adjustment In Adults With Renal Impairment].

Table 1: Dosage of LEVAQUIN^® Tablets in Adult Patients with Creatinine Clearance greater than or equal to 50 mL/minute)

Type of Infection*	Dosed Every 24 hours	Duration (days )†
Nosocomial Pneumonia	750 mg	7 to 14
Community Acquired Pneumonia‡	500 mg‡	7 to 14‡
Community Acquired Pneumonia§	750 mg§	5§
Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (SSSI)	750 mg	7 to 14
Uncomplicated SSSI	500 mg	7 to 10
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis	500 mg	28
Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure), adult and pediatric patients weighing 50 kg¶,# or greater	500 mg	60#
Pediatric patients weighing 30 kg to less than 50 kg¶,#	see Table 2 below (2.2)	60#
Plague, adult and pediatric patients weighing 50 kgÞ or greater	500 mg	10 to 14
Pediatric patients weighing 30 kg to less than 50 kg	see Table 2 below (2.2)	10 to 14
Complicated Urinary Tract Infection (cUTI) or Acute Pyelonephritis (AP)ß	750 mg	5
Complicated Urinary Tract Infection (cUTI) or Acute Pyelonephritis (AP) à	250 mgà	10à
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection	250 mg	3
Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (ABECB)	500 mg	7
Acute Bacterial Sinusitis (ABS)	750 mg	5
	500 mg	10 to 14
* Due to the designated pathogens [see INDICATIONS]. † Sequential therapy (intravenous levofloxacin to oral LEVAQUIN® tablets) may be instituted at the discretion of the healthcare provider. ‡ Due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug-resistant isolates [MDRSP]), Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae [see INDICATIONS]. § Due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (excluding multi-drug-resistant isolates [MDRSP]), Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Chlamydophila pneumoniae [see INDICATIONS]. ¶ Drug administration should begin as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to aerosolized B. anthracis. This indication is based on a surrogate endpoint. Levofloxacin plasma concentrations achieved in humans are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit [see Clinical Studies]. # The safety of LEVAQUIN® in adults for durations of therapy beyond 28 days or in pediatric patients for durations beyond 14 days has not been studied. An increased incidence of musculoskeletal adverse events compared to controls has been observed in pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , Use In Specific Populations , and Clinical Studies]. Prolonged LEVAQUIN® therapy should only be used when the benefit outweighs the risk. Þ Drug administration should begin as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to Yersinia pestis. Higher doses of LEVAQUIN® typically used for treatment of pneumonia can be used for treatment of plague, if clinically indicated. ß This regimen is indicated for cUTI due to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and AP due to E. coli, including cases with concurrent bacteremia. à This regimen is indicated for cUTI due to Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and for AP due to E. coli.

 

Dosage Of LEVAQUIN^® Tablets In Pediatric Patients With Inhalational Anthrax Or Plague

The dosage of LEVAQUIN^® Tablets for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) and plague in pediatric patients who weigh 30 kg or greater is described below in Table 2. LEVAQUIN^® Tablets cannot be administered to patients who weigh less than 30 kg because of the limitations of the available strength. Alternative formulations of levofloxacin may be considered for pediatric patients who weigh less than 30 kg.

Table 2: LEVAQUIN^® Tablets Dosage in Pediatric Patients Weighing 30 kg or greater with Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure) and Plague*

Type of Infection*	Dose	Frequency	Duration†
Inhalational Anthrax (post-exposure)‡,§
Pediatric patients weighing 50 kg or greater	500 mg	every 24 hours	60 days§
Pediatric patients weighing 30 kg to less than 50 kg	250 mg	every 12 hours	60 days§
Plague¶
Pediatric patients weighing 50 kg or greater	500 mg	every 24 hours	10 to 14 days
Pediatric patients weighing 30 kg to less than 50 kg	250 mg	every 12 hours	10 to 14 days
* Due to Bacillus anthracis [see INDICATIONS] and Yersinia pestis [see INDICATIONS]. † Sequential therapy (intravenous levofloxacin injection to oral LEVAQUIN® Tablets) may be instituted at the discretion of the healthcare provider. ‡ Begin LEVAQUIN® Tablets as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to aerosolized B. anthracis. § The safety of LEVAQUIN® in pediatric patients for durations of therapy beyond 14 days has not been studied. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , Use In Specific Populations , and Clinical Studies]. Begin LEVAQUIN® Tablets as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to Yersinia pestis.

 

Dosage Adjustment In Adults With Renal Impairment

Administer LEVAQUIN^® with caution in patients with renal impairment. Careful clinical observation and appropriate laboratory studies should be performed prior to and during therapy since elimination of levofloxacin may be reduced in these patients.

In patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min), adjustment of the dosage regimen is necessary to avoid the accumulation of levofloxacin due to decreased clearance [see Use In Specific Populations]. No adjustment is necessary for patients with a creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 50 mL/minute.

Table 3 shows how to adjust dose based on creatinine clearance.

Table 3: Dosage Adjustment in Adult Patients with Renal Impairment (Creatinine Clearance less than 50 mL/minute)

Creatinine Clearance greater than or equal to 50 mL/minute	Creatinine Clearance 20 to 49 mL/minute	Creatinine Clearance 10 to 19 mL/minute	Hemodialysis or Chronic Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
750 mg every 24 hours	750 mg every 48 hours	750 mg initial dose, then 500 mg every 48 hours	750 mg initial dose, then 500 mg every 48 hours
500 mg every 24 hours	500 mg initial dose, then 250 mg every 24 hours	500 mg initial dose, then 250 mg every 48 hours	500 mg initial dose, then 250 mg every 48 hours
250 mg every 24 hours	No dosage adjustment required	250 mg every 48 hours. If treating uncomplicated UTI, then no dosage adjustment is required	No information on dosing adjustment is available

 

Drug Interaction With Chelation Agents

Antacids, Sucralfate, Metal Cations, Multivitamins

LEVAQUIN^® Tablets should be administered at least two hours before or two hours after antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin preparations with zinc or didanosine chewable/buffered tablets or the pediatric powder for oral solution [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Administration Instructions

LEVAQUIN^® Tablets can be administered without regard to food.

Hydration For Patients Receiving LEVAQUIN^® Tablets

Adequate hydration of patients receiving LEVAQUIN^® should be maintained to prevent the formation of highly concentrated urine. Crystalluria and cylindruria have been reported with quinolones [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

How Supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

TABLETS, Film-coated, capsule-shaped

• 250 mg terra cotta pink tablets, imprinted with “250” on one side and “LEVAQUIN” on the other side
• 500 mg peach tablets, imprinted with “500” on one side and “LEVAQUIN” on the other side
• 750 mg white tablets, imprinted with “750” on one side and “LEVAQUIN” on the other side

Storage And Handling

LEVAQUIN^® Tablets are supplied as 250, 500, and 750 mg capsule-shaped, coated tablets.

LEVAQUIN^® Tablets are packaged in bottles in the following configurations:

• 250 mg tablets are terra cotta pink and are imprinted: “LEVAQUIN^®” on one side and “250” on the other side
  • bottles of 50 (NDC 50458-920-50)
• 500 mg tablets are peach and are imprinted: “LEVAQUIN^®” on one side and “500” on the other side
  • bottles of 50 (NDC 50458-925-50)
• 750 mg tablets are white and are imprinted “LEVAQUIN^®” on one side and “750” on the other side
  • bottles of 20 (NDC 50458-930-20)

LEVAQUIN^® Tablets should be stored at 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) in well-closed containers.

Manufactured by: Active Ingredient Made in Japan. Revised: July 2018

Serious And Otherwise Important Adverse Reactions

The following serious and otherwise important adverse drug reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling:

• Disabling and Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Peripheral Neuropathy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Central Nervous System Effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Other Serious and Sometimes Fatal Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Hypersensitivity Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Prolongation of the QT Interval [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Musculoskeletal Disorders in Pediatric Patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Blood Glucose Disturbances [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Crystalluria and cylindruria have been reported with quinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® . Therefore, adequate hydration of patients receiving LEVAQUIN^® should be maintained to prevent the formation of a highly concentrated urine [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Clinical Trial Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The data described below reflect exposure to LEVAQUIN^® in 7537 patients in 29 pooled Phase 3 clinical trials. The population studied had a mean age of 50 years (approximately 74% of the population was < 65 years of age), 50% were male, 71% were Caucasian, 19% were Black. Patients were treated with LEVAQUIN^® for a wide variety of infectious diseases [see INDICATIONS]. Patients received LEVAQUIN^® doses of 750 mg once daily, 250 mg once daily, or 500 mg once or twice daily.

Treatment duration was usually 3–14 days, and the mean number of days on therapy was 10 days.

The overall incidence, type and distribution of adverse reactions was similar in patients receiving LEVAQUIN^® doses of 750 mg once daily, 250 mg once daily, and 500 mg once or twice daily.

Discontinuation of LEVAQUIN^® due to adverse drug reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients overall, 3.8% of patients treated with the 250 mg and 500 mg doses and 5.4% of patients treated with the 750 mg dose. The most common adverse drug reactions leading to discontinuation with the 250 and 500 mg doses were gastrointestinal (1.4%), primarily nausea (0.6%); vomiting (0.4%); dizziness (0.3%); and headache (0.2%). The most common adverse drug reactions leading to discontinuation with the 750 mg dose were gastrointestinal (1.2%), primarily nausea (0.6%), vomiting (0.5%); dizziness (0.3%); and headache (0.3%).

Adverse reactions occurring in ≥1% of LEVAQUIN^® -treated patients and less common adverse reactions, occurring in 0.1 to <1% of LEVAQUIN^® -treated patients, are shown in Table 4 and Table 5, respectively. The most common adverse drug reactions (≥3%) are nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, constipation, and dizziness.

Table 4: Common (≥1%) Adverse Reactions Reported in Clinical Trials with LEVAQUIN^®*

System/Organ Class	Adverse Reaction	% (N=7537)
Infections and Infestations	moniliasis	1
Psychiatric Disorders	insomnia† [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]	4
Nervous System Disorders	headache	6
	dizziness [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]	3
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders	dyspnea [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]	1
Gastrointestinal Disorders	nausea	7
	diarrhea	5
	constipation	3
	abdominal pain	2
	vomiting	2
	dyspepsia	2
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders	rash [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]	2
	pruritus	1
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders	vaginitis	1‡
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions	edema	1
	injection site reaction	1
	chest pain	1
*pool of studies included IV and oral administration † N = 7274 ‡ N = 3758 (women)

 

Table 5: Less Common (0.1 to 1%) Adverse Reactions Reported in Clinical Trials with LEVAQUIN^® (N = 7537)

System/Organ Class	Adverse Reaction
Infections and Infestations	genital moniliasis
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders	anemia thrombocytopenia granulocytopenia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Immune System Disorders	allergic reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders	hyperglycemia hypoglycemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] hyperkalemia
Psychiatric Disorders	anxiety agitation confusion depression hallucination nightmare * [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] sleep disorder * anorexia abnormal dreaming *
Nervous System Disorders	tremor convulsions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] paresthesia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] vertigo hypertonia hyperkinesias abnormal gait somnolence * somnolence syncope
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders	epistaxis
Cardiac Disorders	cardiac arrest palpitation ventricular tachycardia ventricular arrhythmia
Vascular Disorders	phlebitis
Gastrointestinal Disorders	gastritis stomatitis pancreatitis esophagitis gastroenteritis glossitis pseudomembranous/ C. difficile colitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Hepatobiliary Disorders	abnormal hepatic function increased hepatic enzymes increased alkaline phosphatase
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders	urticaria [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders	arthralgia tendinitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] myalgia skeletal pain
Renal and Urinary Disorders	abnormal renal function acute renal failure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
*N = 7274

 

In clinical trials using multiple-dose therapy, ophthalmologic abnormalities, including cataracts and multiple punctate lenticular opacities, have been noted in patients undergoing treatment with quinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® . The relationship of the drugs to these events is not presently established.

Postmarketing Experience

Table 6 lists adverse reactions that have been identified during post-approval use of LEVAQUIN^® . Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Table 6: Postmarketing Reports Of Adverse Drug Reactions

System/Organ Class	Adverse Reaction
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders	pancytopenia aplastic anemia leukopenia hemolytic anemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] eosinophilia
Immune System Disorders	hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes fatal including: anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions anaphylactic shock angioneurotic edema serum sickness [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Psychiatric Disorders	psychosis paranoia isolated reports of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and completed suicide [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Nervous System Disorders	exacerbation of myasthenia gravis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] anosmia ageusia parosmia dysgeusia peripheral neuropathy (may be irreversible) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] isolated reports of encephalopathy abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) dysphonia pseudotumor cerebri [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Eye Disorders	uveitis vision disturbance, including diplopia visual acuity reduced vision blurred scotoma
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders	hypoacusis tinnitus
Cardiac Disorders	isolated reports of torsade de pointes electrocardiogram QT prolonged [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] tachycardia
Vascular Disorders	vasodilatation
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders	isolated reports of allergic pneumonitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Hepatobiliary Disorders	hepatic failure (including fatal cases) hepatitis jaundice [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders	bullous eruptions to include: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome toxic epidermal necrolysis Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) fixed drug eruptions erythema multiforme [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] photosensitivity/phototoxicity reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders	tendon rupture [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] muscle injury, including rupture rhabdomyolysis
Renal and Urinary Disorders	interstitial nephritis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions	multi-organ failure pyrexia
Investigations	prothrombin time prolonged international normalized ratio prolonged muscle enzymes increased

 

Chelation Agents

Antacids, Sucralfate, Metal Cations, Multivitamins

While the chelation by divalent cations is less marked than with other fluoroquinolones, concurrent administration of LEVAQUIN^® Tablets with antacids containing magnesium, or aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin preparations with zinc may interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of levofloxacin, resulting in systemic levels considerably lower than desired. Tablets with antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin preparations with zinc or didanosine may substantially interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of levofloxacin, resulting in systemic levels considerably lower than desired. These agents should be taken at least two hours before or two hours after oral LEVAQUIN^® administration.

Warfarin

No significant effect of LEVAQUIN^® on the peak plasma concentrations, AUC, and other disposition parameters for R- and S- warfarin was detected in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. Similarly, no apparent effect of warfarin on levofloxacin absorption and disposition was observed. However, there have been reports during the postmarketing experience in patients that LEVAQUIN^® enhances the effects of warfarin. Elevations of the prothrombin time in the setting of concurrent warfarin and LEVAQUIN^® use have been associated with episodes of bleeding. Prothrombin time, International Normalized Ratio (INR), or other suitable anticoagulation tests should be closely monitored if LEVAQUIN^® is administered concomitantly with warfarin. Patients should also be monitored for evidence of bleeding [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Antidiabetic Agents

Disturbances of blood glucose, including hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with fluoroquinolones and an antidiabetic agent. Therefore, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended when these agents are co-administered [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , ADVERSE REACTIONS , and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

The concomitant administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with a fluoroquinolone, including LEVAQUIN^® , may increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Theophylline

No significant effect of LEVAQUIN^® on the plasma concentrations, AUC, and other disposition parameters for theophylline was detected in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. Similarly, no apparent effect of theophylline on levofloxacin absorption and disposition was observed. However, concomitant administration of other fluoroquinolones with theophylline has resulted in prolonged elimination half-life, elevated serum theophylline levels, and a subsequent increase in the risk of theophylline-related adverse reactions in the patient population. Therefore, theophylline levels should be closely monitored and appropriate dosage adjustments made when LEVAQUIN^® is co-administered. Adverse reactions, including seizures, may occur with or without an elevation in serum theophylline levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Cyclosporine

No significant effect of LEVAQUIN^® on the peak plasma concentrations, AUC, and other disposition parameters for cyclosporine was detected in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. However, elevated serum levels of cyclosporine have been reported in the patient population when coadministered with some other fluoroquinolones. Levofloxacin Cmax and k_e were slightly lower while Tmax and t_1/2 were slightly longer in the presence of cyclosporine than those observed in other studies without concomitant medication. The differences, however, are not considered to be clinically significant. Therefore, no dosage adjustment is required for LEVAQUIN^® or cyclosporine when administered concomitantly.

Digoxin

No significant effect of LEVAQUIN^® on the peak plasma concentrations, AUC, and other disposition parameters for digoxin was detected in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. Levofloxacin absorption and disposition kinetics were similar in the presence or absence of digoxin. Therefore, no dosage adjustment for LEVAQUIN^® or digoxin is required when administered concomitantly.

Probenecid And Cimetidine

No significant effect of probenecid or cimetidine on the Cmax of levofloxacin was observed in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. The AUC and t_1/2 of levofloxacin were higher while CL/F and CL_R were lower during concomitant treatment of LEVAQUIN^® with probenecid or cimetidine compared to LEVAQUIN^® alone. However, these changes do not warrant dosage adjustment for LEVAQUIN^® when probenecid or cimetidine is co-administered.

Interactions With Laboratory Or Diagnostic Testing

Some fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , may produce false-positive urine screening results for opiates using commercially available immunoassay kits. Confirmation of positive opiate screens by more specific methods may be necessary.

Included as part of the “PRECAUTIONS” Section

Precautions

Disabling And Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse Reactions Including Tendinitis And Tendon Rupture, Peripheral Neuropathy, And Central Nervous System Effects

Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions from different body systems that can occur together in the same patient. Commonly seen adverse reactions include tendinitis, tendon rupture, arthralgia, myalgia, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects (hallucinations, anxiety, depression, insomnia, severe headaches, and confusion). These reactions can occur within hours to weeks after starting LEVAQUIN^® . Patients of any age or without pre-existing risk factors have experienced these adverse reactions [see Tendinitis And Tendon Rupture, Peripheral Neuropathy, Central Nervous System Effects].

Discontinue LEVAQUIN^® immediately at the first signs or symptoms of any serious adverse reaction. In addition, avoid the use of fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , in patients who have experienced any of these serious adverse reactions associated with fluoroquinolones.

Tendinitis And Tendon Rupture

Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have been associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages [see Disabling And Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse Reactions Including Tendinitis And Tendon Rupture, Peripheral Neuropathy, And Central Nervous System Effects and ADVERSE REACTIONS]. This adverse reaction most frequently involves the Achilles tendon and has also been reported with the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the hand, the biceps, the thumb, and other tendon sites. Tendinitis or tendon rupture can occur within hours or days of starting LEVAQUIN^® or as long as several months after completion of fluoroquinolone therapy. Tendinitis and tendon rupture can occur bilaterally.

The risk of developing fluoroquinolone-associated tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in patients over 60 years of age, in those taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants. Other factors that may independently increase the risk of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Tendinitis and tendon rupture have been reported in patients taking fluoroquinolones who do not have the above risk factors. Discontinue LEVAQUIN^® immediately if the patient experiences pain, swelling, inflammation or rupture of a tendon. Patients should be advised to rest at the first sign of tendinitis or tendon rupture, and to contact their healthcare provider regarding changing to a non-quinolone antimicrobial drug. Avoid LEVAQUIN^® in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or tendon rupture [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Peripheral Neuropathy

Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have been associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy. Cases of sensory or sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy affecting small and/or large axons resulting in paresthesias, hypoesthesias, dysesthesias and weakness have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® . Symptoms may occur soon after initiation of LEVAQUIN^® and may be irreversible in some patients [see Disabling And Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse Reactions Including Tendinitis And Tendon Rupture, Peripheral Neuropathy, And Central Nervous System Effects and ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Discontinue LEVAQUIN^® immediately if the patient experiences symptoms of neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness or other alterations of sensation including light touch, pain, temperature, position sense, and vibratory sensation. Avoid fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , in patients who have previously experienced peripheral neuropathy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Central Nervous System Effects

Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have been associated with an increased risk of central nervous system (CNS) effects, including convulsions, toxic psychoses, increased intracranial pressure (including pseudotumor cerebri). Fluoroquinolones may also cause central nervous system stimulation which may lead to tremors, restlessness, anxiety, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, nightmares, and insomnia. Suicidal thoughts, and attempted or completed suicide may also occur, especially in patients with a medical history of depression, or an underlying risk factor for depression. These reactions may occur following the first dose. If these reactions occur in patients receiving LEVAQUIN^® , discontinue LEVAQUIN^® and institute appropriate measures. As with other fluoroquinolones, LEVAQUIN^® should be used with caution in patients with a known or suspected central nervous system (CNS) disorder that may predispose them to seizures or lower the seizure threshold (e.g., severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, epilepsy) or in the presence of other risk factors that may predispose them to seizures or lower the seizure threshold (e.g., certain drug therapy, renal dysfunction). [see ADVERSE REACTIONS , DRUG INTERACTIONS, and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Exacerbation Of Myasthenia Gravis

Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have neuromuscular blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Postmarketing serious adverse reactions including deaths and requirement for ventilatory support, have been associated with fluoroquinolone use in patients with myasthenia gravis. Avoid LEVAQUIN^® in patients with a known history of myasthenia gravis [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Other Serious And Sometimes Fatal Adverse Reactions

Other serious and sometimes fatal adverse reactions, some due to hypersensitivity, and some due to uncertain etiology, have been reported rarely in patients receiving therapy with fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® . These events may be severe and generally occur following the administration of multiple doses. Clinical manifestations may include one or more of the following:

• fever, rash, or severe dermatologic reactions (e.g., toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome);
• vasculitis; arthralgia; myalgia; serum sickness;
• allergic pneumonitis;
• interstitial nephritis; acute renal insufficiency or failure;
• hepatitis; jaundice; acute hepatic necrosis or failure;
• anemia, including hemolytic and aplastic; thrombocytopenia, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; leukopenia; agranulocytosis; pancytopenia; and/or other hematologic abnormalities.

Discontinue LEVAQUIN^® immediately at the first appearance of skin rash, jaundice, or any other sign of hypersensitivity and institute supportive measures [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity and/or anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® . These reactions often occur following the first dose. Some reactions have been accompanied by cardiovascular collapse, hypotension/shock, seizure, loss of consciousness, tingling, angioedema (including tongue, laryngeal, throat, or facial edema/swelling), airway obstruction (including bronchospasm, shortness of breath, and acute respiratory distress), dyspnea, urticaria, itching, and other serious skin reactions. LEVAQUIN^® should be discontinued immediately at the first appearance of a skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions may require treatment with epinephrine and other resuscitative measures, including oxygen, intravenous fluids, antihistamines, corticosteroids, pressor amines, and airway management, as clinically indicated [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Hepatotoxicity

Post-marketing reports of severe hepatotoxicity (including acute hepatitis and fatal events) have been received for patients treated with LEVAQUIN^® . No evidence of serious drug-associated hepatotoxicity was detected in clinical trials of over 7,000 patients. Severe hepatotoxicity generally occurred within 14 days of initiation of therapy and most cases occurred within 6 days. Most cases of severe hepatotoxicity were not associated with hypersensitivity [see Other Serious And Sometimes Fatal Adverse Reactions].

The majority of fatal hepatotoxicity reports occurred in patients 65 years of age or older and most were not associated with hypersensitivity. LEVAQUIN^® should be discontinued immediately if the patient develops signs and symptoms of hepatitis [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including LEVAQUIN^® , and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Prolongation Of The QT Interval

Some fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® , have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram and infrequent cases of arrhythmia. Rare cases of torsade de pointes have been spontaneously reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients receiving fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^® . LEVAQUIN^® should be avoided in patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, patients with uncorrected hypokalemia, and patients receiving Class IA (quinidine, procainamide), or Class III (amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects on the QT interval [see ADVERSE REACTIONS , Use In Specific Populations , and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Musculoskeletal Disorders In Pediatric Patients And Arthropathic Effects In Animals

LEVAQUIN^® is indicated in pediatric patients (6 months of age and older) only for the prevention of inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) and for plague [see INDICATIONS]. An increased incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (arthralgia, arthritis, tendinopathy, and gait abnormality) compared to controls has been observed in pediatric patients receiving LEVAQUIN^® [see Use In Specific Populations].

In immature rats and dogs, the oral and intravenous administration of levofloxacin resulted in increased osteochondrosis. Histopathological examination of the weight-bearing joints of immature dogs dosed with levofloxacin revealed persistent lesions of the cartilage. Other fluoroquinolones also produce similar erosions in the weight-bearing joints and other signs of arthropathy in immature animals of various species [see Animal Pharmacology].

Blood Glucose Disturbances

As with other fluoroquinolones, disturbances of blood glucose, including symptomatic hyper- and hypoglycemia, have been reported with LEVAQUIN^® , usually in diabetic patients receiving concomitant treatment with an oral hypoglycemic agent (e.g., glyburide) or with insulin. In these patients, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended. If a hypoglycemic reaction occurs in a patient being treated with LEVAQUIN^® , LEVAQUIN^® should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be initiated immediately [see ADVERSE REACTIONS , DRUG INTERACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity

Moderate to severe photosensitivity/phototoxicity reactions, the latter of which may manifest as exaggerated sunburn reactions (e.g., burning, erythema, exudation, vesicles, blistering, edema) involving areas exposed to light (typically the face, “V” area of the neck, extensor surfaces of the forearms, dorsa of the hands), can be associated with the use of fluoroquinolones after sun or UV light exposure. Therefore, excessive exposure to these sources of light should be avoided. Drug therapy should be discontinued if photosensitivity/phototoxicity occurs [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Development Of Drug Resistant Bacteria

Prescribing LEVAQUIN^® in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria [see PATIENT INFORMATION].

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

Serious Adverse Reactions

Advise patients to stop taking LEVAQUIN^® if they experience an adverse reaction and to call their healthcare provider for advice on completing the full course of treatment with another antibacterial drug.

Inform patients of the following serious adverse reactions that have been associated with LEVAQUIN^® or other fluoroquinolone use:

• Disabling and Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse Reactions That May Occur Together: Inform patients that disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions, including tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathies, and central nervous system effects, have been associated with use of LEVAQUIN^® and may occur together in the same patient. Inform patients to stop taking LEVAQUIN^® immediately if they experience an adverse reaction and to call their healthcare provider.
• Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture: Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience pain, swelling, or inflammation of a tendon, or weakness or inability to use one of their joints; rest and refrain from exercise; and discontinue LEVAQUIN^® treatment. Symptoms may be irreversible. The risk of severe tendon disorder with fluoroquinolones is higher in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants.
• Peripheral Neuropathies : Inform patients that peripheral neuropathies have been associated with levofloxacin use, symptoms may occur soon after initiation of therapy and may be irreversible. If symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness develop, immediately discontinue LEVAQUIN^® and tell them to contact their physician.
• Central Nervous System Effects (for example, convulsions, dizziness, lightheadedness, increased intracranial pressure): Inform patients that convulsions have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin. Instruct patients to notify their physician before taking this drug if they have a history of convulsions. Inform patients that they should know how they react to LEVAQUIN^® before they operate an automobile or machinery or engage in other activities requiring mental alertness and coordination. Instruct patients to notify their physician if persistent headache with or without blurred vision occurs.
• Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis : Instruct patients to inform their physician of any history of myasthenia gravis. Instruct patients to notify their physician if they experience any symptoms of muscle weakness, including respiratory difficulties.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions : Inform patients that levofloxacin can cause hypersensitivity reactions, even following a single dose, and to discontinue the drug at the first sign of a skin rash, hives or other skin reactions, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, any swelling suggesting angioedema (for example, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, tightness of the throat, hoarseness), or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
• Hepatotoxicity: Inform patients that severe hepatotoxicity (including acute hepatitis and fatal events) has been reported in patients taking LEVAQUIN^® . Instruct patients to inform their physician if they experience any signs or symptoms of liver injury including: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, right upper quadrant tenderness, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, light colored bowel movements or dark colored urine.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, instruct patients to contact their physician as soon as possible.
• Prolongation of the QT Interval: Instruct patients to inform their physician of any personal or family history of QT prolongation or proarrhythmic conditions such as hypokalemia, bradycardia, or recent myocardial ischemia; if they are taking any Class IA (quinidine, procainamide), or Class III (amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. Instruct patients to notify their physician if they have any symptoms of prolongation of the QT interval, including prolonged heart palpitations or a loss of consciousness.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders in Pediatric Patients: Instruct parents to inform their child’s physician if the child has a history of joint-related problems before taking this drug. Inform parents of pediatric patients to notify their child’s physician of any joint-related problems that occur during or following levofloxacin therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
• Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity: Inform patients that photosensitivity/phototoxicity has been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones. Inform patients to minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while taking fluoroquinolones. If patients need to be outdoors while using fluoroquinolones, instruct them to wear loose-fitting clothes that protect skin from sun exposure and discuss other sun protection measures with their physician. If a sunburn-like reaction or skin eruption occurs, instruct patients to contact their physician.

Antibacterial Resistance

Antibacterial drugs including LEVAQUIN^® should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When LEVAQUIN^® is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by LEVAQUIN^® or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Administration With Food, Fluids, And Concomitant Medications

Patients should be informed that LEVAQUIN^® Tablets may be taken with or without food. The tablets should be taken at the same time each day.

Patients should drink fluids liberally while taking LEVAQUIN^® to avoid formation of a highly concentrated urine and crystal formation in the urine.

Antacids containing magnesium, or aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin preparations with zinc or didanosine should be taken at least two hours before or two hours after oral LEVAQUIN^® administration.

Drug Interactions With Insulin, Oral Hypoglycemic Agents, And Warfarin

Patients should be informed that if they are diabetic and are being treated with insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent and a hypoglycemic reaction occurs, they should discontinue LEVAQUIN^® and consult a physician.

Patients should be informed that concurrent administration of warfarin and LEVAQUIN^® has been associated with increases of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) or prothrombin time and clinical episodes of bleeding. Patients should notify their physician if they are taking warfarin, be monitored for evidence of bleeding, and also have their anticoagulation tests closely monitored while taking warfarin concomitantly.

Plague And Anthrax Studies

Patients given LEVAQUIN^® for these conditions should be informed that efficacy studies could not be conducted in humans for ethical and feasibility reasons. Therefore, approval for these conditions was based on efficacy studies conducted in animals.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

In a lifetime bioassay in rats, levofloxacin exhibited no carcinogenic potential following daily dietary administration for 2 years; the highest dose (100 mg/kg/day) was 1.4 times the highest recommended human dose (750 mg) based upon relative body surface area. Levofloxacin did not shorten the time to tumor development of UV-induced skin tumors in hairless albino (Skh-1) mice at any levofloxacin dose level and was therefore not photo-carcinogenic under conditions of this study. Dermal levofloxacin concentrations in the hairless mice ranged from 25 to 42 mcg/g at the highest levofloxacin dose level (300 mg/kg/day) used in the photo-carcinogenicity study. By comparison, dermal levofloxacin concentrations in human subjects receiving 750 mg of LEVAQUIN^® averaged approximately 11.8 mcg/g at Cmax .

Levofloxacin was not mutagenic in the following assays: Ames bacterial mutation assay (S. typhimurium and E. coli), CHO/HGPRT forward mutation assay, mouse micronucleus test, mouse dominant lethal test, rat unscheduled DNA synthesis assay, and the mouse sister chromatid exchange assay. It was positive in the in vitro chromosomal aberration (CHL cell line) and sister chromatid exchange (CHL/IU cell line) assays.

Levofloxacin caused no impairment of fertility or reproductive performance in rats at oral doses as high as 360 mg/kg/day, corresponding to 4.2 times the highest recommended human dose based upon relative body surface area and intravenous doses as high as 100 mg/kg/day, corresponding to 1.2 times the highest recommended human dose based upon relative body surface area.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

Levofloxacin was not teratogenic in rats at doses as high as 810 mg/kg/day which corresponds to 9.4 times the highest recommended oral human dose based upon relative body surface area. The oral dose of 810 mg/kg/day to rats caused decreased fetal body weight and increased fetal mortality. No teratogenicity was observed when rabbits were dosed orally as high as 50 mg/kg/day which corresponds to 1.1 times the highest recommended oral human dose based upon relative body surface area.

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. LEVAQUIN^® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Based on data on other fluoroquinolones and very limited data on LEVAQUIN^® , it can be presumed that levofloxacin will be excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from LEVAQUIN^® in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Quinolones, including levofloxacin, cause arthropathy and osteochondrosis in juvenile animals of several species. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Animal Pharmacology].

Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure)

Levofloxacin is indicated in pediatric patients 6 months of age and older, for inhalational anthrax (postexposure). The risk-benefit assessment indicates that administration of levofloxacin to pediatric patients is appropriate. The safety of levofloxacin in pediatric patients treated for more than 14 days has not been studied [see INDICATIONS , DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies].

Plague

Levofloxacin is indicated in pediatric patients, 6 months of age and older, for treatment of plague, including pneumonic and septicemic plague due to Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) and prophylaxis for plague. Efficacy studies of LEVAQUIN^® could not be conducted in humans with pneumonic plague for ethical and feasibility reasons. Therefore, approval of this indication was based on an efficacy study conducted in animals. The risk-benefit assessment indicates that administration of levofloxacin to pediatric patients is appropriate [see INDICATIONS , DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies].

Safety and effectiveness of LEVAQUIN^® in pediatric patients below the age of six months have not been established.

Pharmacokinetics Following Intravenous Administration

The pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin following a single intravenous dose were investigated in pediatric patients ranging in age from six months to 16 years. Pediatric patients cleared levofloxacin faster than adult patients resulting in lower plasma exposures than adults for a given mg/kg dose [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and Clinical Studies].

Dosage In Pediatric Patients With Inhalational Anthrax Or Plague

For the recommended LEVAQUIN^® tablet dosage in pediatric patients with inhalational anthrax or plague, see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. LEVAQUIN^® Tablets cannot be administered to pediatric patients who weigh less than 30 kg because of the limitations of the available strengths. Alternative formulations of levofloxacin may be considered for pediatric patients who weigh less than 30 kg.

Adverse Reactions

In clinical trials, 1534 pediatric patients (6 months to 16 years of age) were treated with oral and intravenous LEVAQUIN^® . Pediatric patients 6 months to 5 years of age received LEVAQUIN^® 10 mg/kg twice a day and pediatric patients greater than 5 years of age received 10 mg/kg once a day (maximum 500 mg per day) for approximately 10 days. LEVAQUIN^® Tablets can only be administered to pediatric patients with inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague who are 30 kg or greater due to the limitations of the available strengths [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

A subset of pediatric patients in the clinical trials (1340 LEVAQUIN^® -treated and 893 nonfluoroquinolone- treated) enrolled in a prospective, long-term surveillance study to assess the incidence of protocol-defined musculoskeletal disorders (arthralgia, arthritis, tendinopathy, gait abnormality) during 60 days and 1 year following the first dose of the study drug. Pediatric patients treated with LEVAQUIN^® had a significantly higher incidence of musculoskeletal disorders when compared to the non-fluoroquinolone-treated children as illustrated in Table 7. LEVAQUIN^® Tablets can only be administered to pediatric patients with inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague who are 30 kg or greater due to the limitations of the available strengths [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Table 7: Incidence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Pediatric Clinical Trial

Follow-up Period	LEVAQUIN® N = 1340	Non- Fluoroquinolone* N = 893	p-value †
60 days	28 (2.1%)	8 (0.9%)	p = 0.038
1 year‡	46 (3.4%)	16 (1.8%)	p = 0.025
* Non-Fluoroquinolone: ceftriaxone, amoxicillin/clavulanate, clarithromycin † 2-sided Fisher’s Exact Test ‡ There were 1199 LEVAQUIN® -treated and 804 non-fluoroquinolone-treated pediatric patients who had a one-year evaluation visit. However, the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders was calculated using all reported events during the specified period for all pediatric patients enrolled regardless of whether they completed the 1-year evaluation visit.

 

Arthralgia was the most frequently occurring musculoskeletal disorder in both treatment groups. Most of the musculoskeletal disorders in both groups involved multiple weight-bearing joints. Disorders were moderate in 8/46 (17%) children and mild in 35/46 (76%) LEVAQUIN^® -treated pediatric patients and most were treated with analgesics. The median time to resolution was 7 days for LEVAQUIN^® – treated pediatric patients and 9 for non-fluoroquinolone-treated children (approximately 80% resolved within 2 months in both groups). No pediatric patient had a severe or serious disorder and all musculoskeletal disorders resolved without sequelae.

Vomiting and diarrhea were the most frequently reported adverse reactions, occurring in similar frequency in the LEVAQUIN^® -treated and non-fluoroquinolone-treated pediatric patients.

In addition to the adverse reactions reported in pediatric patients in clinical trials, adverse reactions reported in adults during clinical trials or post-marketing experience [see ADVERSE REACTIONS] may also be expected to occur in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

Geriatric patients are at increased risk for developing severe tendon disorders including tendon rupture when being treated with a fluoroquinolone such as LEVAQUIN^® . This risk is further increased in patients receiving concomitant corticosteroid therapy. Tendinitis or tendon rupture can involve the Achilles, hand, shoulder, or other tendon sites and can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months after fluoroquinolone treatment have been reported. Caution should be used when prescribing LEVAQUIN^® to elderly patients especially those on corticosteroids. Patients should be informed of this potential side effect and advised to discontinue LEVAQUIN^® and contact their healthcare provider if any symptoms of tendinitis or tendon rupture occur [see BOX WARNING; WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ; and ADVERSE REACTIONS].

In Phase 3 clinical trials, 1,945 LEVAQUIN^® -treated patients (26%) were ≥ 65 years of age. Of these, 1,081 patients (14%) were between the ages of 65 and 74 and 864 patients (12%) were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Severe, and sometimes fatal, cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported post-marketing in association with LEVAQUIN^® . The majority of fatal hepatotoxicity reports occurred in patients 65 years of age or older and most were not associated with hypersensitivity. LEVAQUIN^® should be discontinued immediately if the patient develops signs and symptoms of hepatitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects on the QT interval. Therefore, precaution should be taken when using LEVAQUIN^® with concomitant drugs that can result in prolongation of the QT interval (e.g., Class IA or Class III antiarrhythmics) or in patients with risk factors for torsade de pointes (e.g., known QT prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

The pharmacokinetic properties of levofloxacin in younger adults and elderly adults do not differ significantly when creatinine clearance is taken into consideration. However, since the drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Renal Impairment

Clearance of levofloxacin is substantially reduced and plasma elimination half-life is substantially prolonged in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min), requiring dosage adjustment in such patients to avoid accumulation. Neither hemodialysis nor continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is effective in removal of levofloxacin from the body, indicating that supplemental doses of LEVAQUIN^® are not required following hemodialysis or CAPD [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Hepatic Impairment

Pharmacokinetic studies in patients with hepatic impairment have not been conducted. Due to the limited extent of levofloxacin metabolism, the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin are not expected to be affected by hepatic impairment.

In the event of an acute overdosage, the stomach should be emptied. The patient should be observed and appropriate hydration maintained. Levofloxacin is not efficiently removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

LEVAQUIN^® exhibits a low potential for acute toxicity. Mice, rats, dogs and monkeys exhibited the following clinical signs after receiving a single high dose of LEVAQUIN^® : ataxia, ptosis, decreased locomotor activity, dyspnea, prostration, tremors, and convulsions. Doses in excess of 1500 mg/kg orally and 250 mg/kg IV produced significant mortality in rodents.

Contraindications

LEVAQUIN^® is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, or other quinolone antibacterials [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Mechanism Of Action

Levofloxacin is a member of the fluoroquinolone class of antibacterial agents [see Microbiology].

Pharmacokinetics

The mean ± SD pharmacokinetic parameters of levofloxacin determined under single and steady-state conditions following administration of the oral tablets, are summarized in Table 8.

Table 8: Mean ± SD Levofloxacin PK Parameters

Regimen	Cmax (mcg/mL)	Tmax (h)	AUC (mcg·h/mL)	CL/F* (mL/min)	Vd/F† (L)	t1/2 (h)	CLR (mL/min)
Single dose
250 mg oral tablet‡	2.8 ± 0.4	1.6 ± 1.0	27.2 ± 3.9	156 ± 20	ND	7.3 ± 0.9	142 ± 21
500 mg oral tablet‡§	5.1 ± 0.8	1.3 ± 0.6	47.9 ± 6.8	178 ± 28	ND	6.3 ± 0.6	103 ± 30
750 mg oral tablet¶§	9.3 ± 1.6	1.6 ± 0.8	101 ± 20	129 ± 24	83 ± 17	7.5 ± 0.9	ND
Multiple dose
500 mg every 24h oral tablet‡	5.7 ± 1.4	1.1 ± 0.4	47.5 ± 6.7	175 ± 25	102 ± 22	7.6 ± 1.6	116 ± 31
750 mg every 24h oral tablet¶	8.6 ± 1.9	1.4 ± 0.5	90.7 ± 17.6	143 ± 29	100 ± 16	8.8 ± 1.5	116 ± 28
500 mg oral tablet single dose, effects of gender and age:
Male#	5.5 ± 1.1	1.2 ± 0.4	54.4 ± 18.9	166 ± 44	89 ± 13	7.5 ± 2.1	126 ± 38
FemaleÞ	7.0 ± 1.6	1.7 ± 0.5	67.7 ± 24.2	136 ± 44	62 ± 16	6.1 ± 0.8	106 ± 40
Youngß	5.5 ± 1.0	1.5 ± 0.6	47.5 ± 9.8	182 ± 35	83 ± 18	6.0 ± 0.9	140 ± 33
Elderlyà	7.0 ± 1.6	1.4 ± 0.5	74.7 ± 23.3	121 ± 33	67 ± 19	7.6 ± 2.0	91 ± 29
500 mg oral single dose tablet, patients with renal impairment:
CLCR 50–80 mL/min	7.5 ± 1.8	1.5 ± 0.5	95.6 ± 11.8	88 ± 10	ND	9.1 ± 0.9	9.1 ± 0.9
CLCR 20–49 mL/min	7.1 ± 3.1	2.1 ± 1.3	182.1 ± 62.6	51 ± 19	ND	27 ± 10	26 ± 13
CLCR <20 mL/min	8.2 ± 2.6	1.1 ± 1.0	263.5 ± 72.5	33 ± 8	ND	35 ± 5	13 ± 3
Hemodialysis	5.7 ± 1.0	2.8 ± 2.2	ND	ND	ND	76 ± 42	ND
CAPD	6.9 ± 2.3	1.4 ± 1.1	ND	ND	ND	51 ± 24	ND
ND=not determined. *clearance/bioavailability † volume of distribution/bioavailability ‡ healthy males 18 –53 years of age § Absolute bioavailability; F=0.99 ± 0.08 from a 500 mg tablet and F=0.99 ± 0.06 from a 750 mg tablet; ¶ healthy male and female subjects 18 –54 years of age # healthy males 22–75 years of age Þ healthy females 18–80 years of age ß young healthy male and female subjects 18–36 years of age à healthy elderly male and female subjects 66–80 years of age

 

Levofloxacin pharmacokinetics are linear and predictable after single and multiple oral or IV dosing regimens. Steady-state conditions are reached within 48 hours following a 500 mg or 750 mg oncedaily dosage regimen. The mean ± SD peak and trough plasma concentrations attained following multiple once-daily oral dosage regimens were approximately 5.7 ± 1.4 and 0.5 ± 0.2 mcg/mL after the 500 mg doses, and 8.6 ± 1.9 and 1.1 ± 0.4 mcg/mL after the 750 mg doses, respectively. The mean ± SD peak and trough plasma concentrations attained following multiple once-daily IV regimens were approximately 6.4 ± 0.8 and 0.6 ± 0.2 mcg/mL after the 500 mg doses, and 12.1 ± 4.1 and 1.3 ± 0.71 mcg/mL after the 750 mg doses, respectively.

Absorption

Levofloxacin is rapidly and essentially completely absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are usually attained one to two hours after oral dosing. The absolute bioavailability of levofloxacin from a 500 mg tablet and a 750 mg tablet of LEVAQUIN^® are both approximately 99%, demonstrating complete oral absorption of levofloxacin. Following a single intravenous dose of LEVAQUIN^® to healthy volunteers, the mean ± SD peak plasma concentration attained was 6.2 ± 1.0 mcg/mL after a 500 mg dose infused over 60 minutes and 11.5 ± 4.0 mcg/mL after a 750 mg dose infused over 90 minutes. Oral administration of a 500 mg dose of LEVAQUIN^® with food prolongs the time to peak concentration by approximately 1 hour and decreases the peak concentration by approximately 14% following tablet and approximately 25% following oral solution administration. Therefore, LEVAQUIN^® Tablets can be administered without regard to food.

The plasma concentration profile of levofloxacin after IV administration is similar and comparable in extent of exposure (AUC) to that observed for LEVAQUIN^® Tablets when equal doses (mg/mg) are administered. Therefore, the oral and IV routes of administration can be considered interchangeable.

Distribution

The mean volume of distribution of levofloxacin generally ranges from 74 to 112 L after single and multiple 500 mg or 750 mg doses, indicating widespread distribution into body tissues. Levofloxacin reaches its peak levels in skin tissues and in blister fluid of healthy subjects at approximately 3 hours after dosing. The skin tissue biopsy to plasma AUC ratio is approximately 2 and the blister fluid to plasma AUC ratio is approximately 1 following multiple once-daily oral administration of 750 mg and 500 mg doses of LEVAQUIN^® , respectively, to healthy subjects. Levofloxacin also penetrates well into lung tissues. Lung tissue concentrations were generally 2- to 5-fold higher than plasma concentrations and ranged from approximately 2.4 to 11.3 mcg/g over a 24-hour period after a single 500 mg oral dose.

In vitro, over a clinically relevant range (1 to 10 mcg/mL) of serum/plasma levofloxacin concentrations, levofloxacin is approximately 24 to 38% bound to serum proteins across all species studied, as determined by the equilibrium dialysis method. Levofloxacin is mainly bound to serum albumin in humans. Levofloxacin binding to serum proteins is independent of the drug concentration.

Elimination

Metabolism

Levofloxacin is stereochemically stable in plasma and urine and does not invert metabolically to its enantiomer, D-ofloxacin. Levofloxacin undergoes limited metabolism in humans and is primarily excreted as unchanged drug in the urine. Following oral administration, approximately 87% of an administered dose was recovered as unchanged drug in urine within 48 hours, whereas less than 4% of the dose was recovered in feces in 72 hours. Less than 5% of an administered dose was recovered in the urine as the desmethyl and N-oxide metabolites, the only metabolites identified in humans. These metabolites have little relevant pharmacological activity.

Excretion

Levofloxacin is excreted largely as unchanged drug in the urine. The mean terminal plasma elimination half-life of levofloxacin ranges from approximately 6 to 8 hours following single or multiple doses of levofloxacin given orally or intravenously. The mean apparent total body clearance and renal clearance range from approximately 144 to 226 mL/min and 96 to 142 mL/min, respectively. Renal clearance in excess of the glomerular filtration rate suggests that tubular secretion of levofloxacin occurs in addition to its glomerular filtration. Concomitant administration of either cimetidine or probenecid results in approximately 24% and 35% reduction in the levofloxacin renal clearance, respectively, indicating that secretion of levofloxacin occurs in the renal proximal tubule. No levofloxacin crystals were found in any of the urine samples freshly collected from subjects receiving LEVAQUIN^® .

Specific Populations

Geriatric Patients

There are no significant differences in levofloxacin pharmacokinetics between young and elderly subjects when the subjects’ differences in creatinine clearance are taken into consideration. Following a 500 mg oral dose of LEVAQUIN^® to healthy elderly subjects (66–80 years of age), the mean terminal plasma elimination half-life of levofloxacin was about 7.6 hours, as compared to approximately 6 hours in younger adults. The difference was attributable to the variation in renal function status of the subjects and was not believed to be clinically significant. Drug absorption appears to be unaffected by age. LEVAQUIN^® dose adjustment based on age alone is not necessary [see Use In Specific Populations].

Pediatric Patients

The pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin following a single 7 mg/kg intravenous dose were investigated in pediatric patients ranging in age from 6 months to 16 years. Pediatric patients cleared levofloxacin faster than adult patients, resulting in lower plasma exposures than adults for a given mg/kg dose. Subsequent pharmacokinetic analyses predicted that a dosage regimen of 8 mg/kg every 12 hours (not to exceed 250 mg per dose) for pediatric patients 6 months to 17 years of age would achieve comparable steady state plasma exposures (AUC0-24 and Cmax ) to those observed in adult patients administered 500 mg of levofloxacin once every 24 hours. LEVAQUIN^® Tablets can only be administered to pediatric patients with inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) or plague who are 30 kg or greater due to the limitations of the available strengths [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Male And Female Subjects

There are no significant differences in levofloxacin pharmacokinetics between male and female subjects when subjects’ differences in creatinine clearance are taken into consideration. Following a 500 mg oral dose of LEVAQUIN^® to healthy male subjects, the mean terminal plasma elimination halflife of levofloxacin was about 7.5 hours, as compared to approximately 6.1 hours in female subjects. This difference was attributable to the variation in renal function status of the male and female subjects and was not believed to be clinically significant. Drug absorption appears to be unaffected by the gender of the subjects. Dose adjustment based on gender alone is not necessary.

Racial Or Ethnic Groups

The effect of race on levofloxacin pharmacokinetics was examined through a covariate analysis performed on data from 72 subjects: 48 white and 24 non-white. The apparent total body clearance and apparent volume of distribution were not affected by the race of the subjects.

Patients With Renal Impairment

Clearance of levofloxacin is substantially reduced and plasma elimination half-life is substantially prolonged in adult patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min), requiring dosage adjustment in such patients to avoid accumulation. Neither hemodialysis nor continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is effective in removal of levofloxacin from the body, indicating that supplemental doses of LEVAQUIN^® are not required following hemodialysis or CAPD [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Use In Specific Populations].

Patients With Hepatic Impairment

Pharmacokinetic studies in hepatically impaired patients have not been conducted. Due to the limited extent of levofloxacin metabolism, the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin are not expected to be affected by hepatic impairment [see Use In Specific Populations].

Patients With Bacterial Infection

The pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin in patients with serious community-acquired bacterial infections are comparable to those observed in healthy subjects.

Drug Interaction Studies

The potential for pharmacokinetic drug interactions between LEVAQUIN^® and antacids, warfarin, theophylline, cyclosporine, digoxin, probenecid, and cimetidine has been evaluated [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Microbiology

Mechanism Of Action

Levofloxacin is the L-isomer of the racemate, ofloxacin, a quinolone antimicrobial agent. The antibacterial activity of ofloxacin resides primarily in the L-isomer. The mechanism of action of levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolone antimicrobials involves inhibition of bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase (both of which are type II topoisomerases), enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription, repair and recombination.

Resistance

Fluoroquinolone resistance can arise through mutations in defined regions of DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV, termed the Quinolone-Resistance Determining Regions (QRDRs), or through altered efflux.

Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, differ in chemical structure and mode of action from aminoglycosides, macrolides and β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins. Fluoroquinolones may, therefore, be active against bacteria resistant to these antimicrobials.

Resistance to levofloxacin due to spontaneous mutation in vitro is a rare occurrence (range: 10^-9to 10^-10). Cross-resistance has been observed between levofloxacin and some other fluoroquinolones, some microorganisms resistant to other fluoroquinolones may be susceptible to levofloxacin.

Antimicrobial Activity

Levofloxacin has in vitro activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Levofloxacin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in see INDICATIONS:

Aerobic Bacteria

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Enterococcus faecalis
Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates)
Staphylococcus epidermidis (methicillin-susceptible isolates)
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug resistant isolates [MDRSP]¹)
Streptococcus pyogenes

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Enterobacter cloacae
Escherichia coli
Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Legionella pneumophila
Moraxella catarrhalis
Proteus mirabilis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Serratia marcescens

Other Microorganisms

Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Mycoplasma pneumoniae

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown: Levofloxacin exhibits in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC values) of 2 mcg/mL or less against most (≥90%) isolates of the following microorganisms; however, the safety and effectiveness of LEVAQUIN^® in treating clinical infections due to these bacteria have not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

¹ MDRSP (Multi-drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae) isolates are isolates resistant to two or more of the following antibiotics: penicillin (MIC ≥2 mcg/mL), 2nd generation cephalosporins, e.g., cefuroxime; macrolides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Aerobic Bacteria

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Staphylococcus haemolyticus
β-hemolytic Streptococcus (Group C/F)
β-hemolytic Streptococcus (Group G)
Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus milleri
Viridans group streptococci
Bacillus anthracis

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Acinetobacter baumannii
Acinetobacter lwoffii
Bordetella pertussis
Citrobacter koseri
Citrobacter freundii
Enterobacter aerogenes
Enterobacter sakazakii
Klebsiella oxytoca
Morganella morganii
Pantoea agglomerans
Proteus vulgaris
Providencia rettgeri
Providencia stuartii
Pseudomonas fluorescens
Yersinia pestis

Anaerobic Bacteria

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Clostridium perfringens

Susceptibility Tests

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

Animal Toxicology And/Or Pharmacology

Levofloxacin and other quinolones have been shown to cause arthropathy in immature animals of most species tested [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In immature dogs (4–5 months old), oral doses of 10 mg/kg/day for 7 days and intravenous doses of 4 mg/kg/day for 14 days of levofloxacin resulted in arthropathic lesions. Administration at oral doses of 300 mg/kg/day for 7 days and intravenous doses of 60 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks produced arthropathy in juvenile rats. Three-month old beagle dogs dosed orally with levofloxacin at 40 mg/kg/day exhibited clinically severe arthrotoxicity resulting in the termination of dosing at Day 8 of a 14-day dosing routine. Slight musculoskeletal clinical effects, in the absence of gross pathological or histopathological effects, resulted from the lowest dose level of 2.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.2-fold the pediatric dose based upon AUC comparisons). Synovitis and articular cartilage lesions were observed at the 10 and 40 mg/kg dose levels (approximately 0.7-fold and 2.4-fold the pediatric dose, respectively, based on AUC comparisons). Articular cartilage gross pathology and histopathology persisted to the end of the 18-week recovery period for those dogs from the 10 and 40 mg/kg/day dose levels.

When tested in a mouse ear swelling bioassay, levofloxacin exhibited phototoxicity similar in magnitude to ofloxacin, but less phototoxicity than other quinolones.

While crystalluria has been observed in some intravenous rat studies, urinary crystals are not formed in the bladder, being present only after micturition and are not associated with nephrotoxicity.

In mice, the CNS stimulatory effect of quinolones is enhanced by concomitant administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In dogs, levofloxacin administered at 6 mg/kg or higher by rapid intravenous injection produced hypotensive effects. These effects were considered to be related to histamine release.

In vitro and in vivo studies in animals indicate that levofloxacin is neither an enzyme inducer nor inhibitor in the human therapeutic plasma concentration range; therefore, no drug metabolizing enzyme-related interactions with other drugs or agents are anticipated.

Clinical Studies

Nosocomial Pneumonia

Adult patients with clinically and radiologically documented nosocomial pneumonia were enrolled in a multicenter, randomized, open-label study comparing intravenous LEVAQUIN^® (750 mg once daily) followed by oral LEVAQUIN^® (750 mg once daily) for a total of 7–15 days to intravenous imipenem/cilastatin (500–1000 mg every 6–8 hours daily) followed by oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg every 12 hours daily) for a total of 7–15 days. LEVAQUIN^® -treated patients received an average of 7 days of intravenous therapy (range: 1–16 days); comparator-treated patients received an average of 8 days of intravenous therapy (range: 1–19 days).

Overall, in the clinically and microbiologically evaluable population, adjunctive therapy was empirically initiated at study entry in 56 of 93 (60.2%) patients in the LEVAQUIN^® arm and 53 of 94 (56.4%) patients in the comparator arm. The average duration of adjunctive therapy was 7 days in the LEVAQUIN^® arm and 7 days in the comparator. In clinically and microbiologically evaluable patients with documented Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, 15 of 17 (88.2%) received ceftazidime (N = 11) or piperacillin/tazobactam (N = 4) in the LEVAQUIN^® arm and 16 of 17 (94.1%) received an aminoglycoside in the comparator arm. Overall, in clinically and microbiologically evaluable patients, vancomycin was added to the treatment regimen of 37 of 93 (39.8%) patients in the LEVAQUIN^® arm and 28 of 94 (29.8%) patients in the comparator arm for suspected methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection.

Clinical success rates in clinically and microbiologically evaluable patients at the post-therapy visit (primary study endpoint assessed on day 3–15 after completing therapy) were 58.1% for LEVAQUIN^® and 60.6% for comparator. The 95% CI for the difference of response rates (LEVAQUIN^® minus comparator) was [-17.2, 12.0]. The microbiological eradication rates at the posttherapy visit were 66.7% for LEVAQUIN^® and 60.6% for comparator. The 95% CI for the difference of eradication rates (LEVAQUIN^® minus comparator) was [-8.3, 20.3]. Clinical success and microbiological eradication rates by pathogen are detailed in Table 9.

Table 9: Clinical Success Rates and Bacteriological Eradication Rates (Nosocomial Pneumonia)

Pathogen	N	LEVAQUIN® No. (%) of Patients Microbiologic/Clinical Outcomes	N	Imipenem/Cilastatin No. (%) of Patients Microbiologic/Clinical Outcomes
MSSA*	21	14 (66.7)/13 (61.9)	19	13 (68.4)/15 (78.9)
P. aeruginosa†	17	10 (58.8)/11 (64.7)	17	5 (29.4)/7 (41.2)
S. marcescens	11	9 (81.8)/7 (63.6)	7	2 (28.6)/3 (42.9)
E. coli	12	10 (83.3)/7 (58.3)	11	7 (63.6)/8 (72.7)
K. pneumoniae‡	11	9 (81.8)/5 (45.5)	7	6 (85.7)/3 (42.9)
H. influenzae	16	13 (81.3)/10 (62.5)	15	14 (93.3)/11 (73.3)
S. pneumoniae	4	3 (75.0)/3 (75.0)	7	5 (71.4)/4 (57.1)
*Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus † See above text for use of combination therapy ‡ The observed differences in rates for the clinical and microbiological outcomes may reflect other factors that were not accounted for in the study

 

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

7–14 Day Treatment Regimen

Adult inpatients and outpatients with a diagnosis of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia were evaluated in 2 pivotal clinical studies. In the first study, 590 patients were enrolled in a prospective, multi-center, unblinded randomized trial comparing LEVAQUIN^® 500 mg once daily orally or intravenously for 7 to 14 days to ceftriaxone 1 to 2 grams intravenously once or in equally divided doses twice daily followed by cefuroxime axetil 500 mg orally twice daily for a total of 7 to 14 days. Patients assigned to treatment with the control regimen were allowed to receive erythromycin (or doxycycline if intolerant of erythromycin) if an infection due to atypical pathogens was suspected or proven. Clinical and microbiologic evaluations were performed during treatment, 5 to 7 days posttherapy, and 3 to 4 weeks posttherapy. Clinical success (cure plus improvement) with LEVAQUIN^® at 5 to 7 days posttherapy, the primary efficacy variable in this study, was superior (95%) to the control group (83%). The 95% CI for the difference of response rates (LEVAQUIN^® minus comparator) was [-6, 19]. In the second study, 264 patients were enrolled in a prospective, multi-center, non-comparative trial of 500 mg LEVAQUIN^® administered orally or intravenously once daily for 7 to 14 days. Clinical success for clinically evaluable patients was 93%. For both studies, the clinical success rate in patients with atypical pneumonia due to Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila were 96%, 96%, and 70%, respectively. Microbiologic eradication rates across both studies are presented in Table 10.

Table 10: Bacteriological Eradication Rates Across 2 Community Acquired Pneumonia Clinical Studies

Pathogen	No. Pathogens	Bacteriological Eradication Rate (%)
H. influenzae	55	98
S. pneumoniae	83	95
S. aureus	17	88
M. catarrhalis	18	94
H. parainfluenzae	19	95
K. pneumoniae	10	100.0

 

Community-Acquired Pneumonia Due To Multi-Drug Resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae

LEVAQUIN^® was effective for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia caused by multi-drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MDRSP). MDRSP isolates are isolates resistant to two or more of the following antibacterials: penicillin (MIC ≥2 mcg/mL), 2^nd generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefuroxime, macrolides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). Of 40 microbiologically evaluable patients with MDRSP isolates, 38 patients (95.0%) achieved clinical and bacteriologic success at post-therapy. The clinical and bacterial success rates are shown in Table 11.

Table 11: Clinical and Bacterial Success Rates for LEVAQUIN^® -Treated MDRSP in Community Acquired Pneumonia Patients (Population Valid for Efficacy)

Screening Susceptibility	Clinical Success		Bacteriological Success*
	n/N†	%	n/N‡	%
Penicillin-resistant	16/17	94.1	16/17	94.1
2nd generation Cephalosporin resistant	31/32	96.9	31/32	96.9
Macrolide-resistant	28/29	96.6	28/29	96.6
Trimethoprim/ Sulfamethoxazole resistant	17/19	89.5	17/19	89.5
Tetracycline-resistant	12/12	100	12/12	100
* One patient had a respiratory isolate that was resistant to tetracycline, cefuroxime, macrolides and TMP/SMX and intermediate to penicillin and a blood isolate that was intermediate to penicillin and cefuroxime and resistant to the other classes. The patient is included in the database based on respiratory isolate. † n = the number of microbiologically evaluable patients who were clinical successes; N = number of microbiologically evaluable patients in the designated resistance group. ‡ n = the number of MDRSP isolates eradicated or presumed eradicated in microbiologically evaluable patients; N = number of MDRSP isolates in a designated resistance group.

 

Not all isolates were resistant to all antimicrobial classes tested. Success and eradication rates are summarized in Table 12.

Table 12: Clinical Success and Bacteriologic Eradication Rates for Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (Community Acquired Pneumonia)

Type of Resistance	Clinical Success	Bacteriologic Eradication
Resistant to 2 antibacterials	17/18 (94.4%)	17/18 (94.4%)
Resistant to 3 antibacterials	14/15 (93.3%)	14/15 (93.3%)
Resistant to 4 antibacterials	7/7 (100%)	7/7 (100%)
Resistant to 5 antibacterials	0	0
Bacteremia with MDRSP	8/9 (89%)	8/9 (89%)

 

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

5-Day Treatment Regimen

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the higher dose and shorter course of LEVAQUIN^® , 528 outpatient and hospitalized adults with clinically and radiologically determined mild to severe community-acquired pneumonia were evaluated in a double-blind, randomized, prospective, multicenter study comparing LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg, IV or orally, every day for five days or LEVAQUIN^® 500 mg IV or orally, every day for 10 days.

Clinical success rates (cure plus improvement) in the clinically evaluable population were 90.9% in the LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg group and 91.1% in the LEVAQUIN^® 500 mg group. The 95% CI for the difference of response rates (LEVAQUIN^® 750 minus LEVAQUIN^® 500) was [-5.9, 5.4]. In the clinically evaluable population (31–38 days after enrollment) pneumonia was observed in 7 out of 151 patients in the LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg group and 2 out of 147 patients in the LEVAQUIN^® 500 mg group. Given the small numbers observed, the significance of this finding cannot be determined statistically. The microbiological efficacy of the 5-day regimen was documented for infections listed in Table 13.

Table 13: Bacteriological Eradication Rates (Community-Acquired Pneumonia)

S. pneumoniae	19/20 (95%)
Haemophilus influenzae	12/12 (100%)
Haemophilus parainfluenzae	10/10 (100%)
Mycoplasma pneumoniae	26/27 (96%)
Chlamydophila pneumoniae	13/15 (87%)

 

Acute Bacterial Sinusitis

5-Day And 10–14 Day Treatment Regimens

LEVAQUIN^® is approved for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) using either 750 mg by mouth × 5 days or 500 mg by mouth once daily × 10–14 days. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a high dose short course of LEVAQUIN^® , 780 outpatient adults with clinically and radiologically determined acute bacterial sinusitis were evaluated in a double-blind, randomized, prospective, multicenter study comparing LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg by mouth once daily for five days to LEVAQUIN^® 500 mg by mouth once daily for 10 days.

Clinical success rates (defined as complete or partial resolution of the pre-treatment signs and symptoms of ABS to such an extent that no further antibiotic treatment was deemed necessary) in the microbiologically evaluable population were 91.4% (139/152) in the LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg group and 88.6% (132/149) in the LEVAQUIN^® 500 mg group at the test-of-cure (TOC) visit (95% CI [-4.2, 10.0] for LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg minus LEVAQUIN^® 500 mg).

Rates of clinical success by pathogen in the microbiologically evaluable population who had specimens obtained by antral tap at study entry showed comparable results for the five- and ten-day regimens at the test-of-cure visit 22 days post treatment (see Table 14).

Table 14: Clinical Success Rate by Pathogen at the TOC in Microbiologically Evaluable Subjects Who Underwent Antral Puncture (Acute Bacterial Sinusitis)

Pathogen	LEVAQUIN®750 mg × 5 days	LEVAQUIN® 500 mg × 10 days
Streptococcus pneumoniae*	25/27 (92.6%)	26/27 (96.3%)
Haemophilus influenzae*	19/21 (90.5%)	25/27 (92.6%)
Moraxella catarrhalis*	10/11 (90.9%)	13/13 (100%)
*Note: Forty percent of the subjects in this trial had specimens obtained by sinus endoscopy. The efficacy data for subjects whose specimen was obtained endoscopically were comparable to those presented in the above table.

 

Complicated Skin And Skin Structure Infections

Three hundred ninety-nine patients were enrolled in an open-label, randomized, comparative study for complicated skin and skin structure infections. The patients were randomized to receive either LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg once daily (IV followed by oral), or an approved comparator for a median of 10 ± 4.7 days. As is expected in complicated skin and skin structure infections, surgical procedures were performed in the LEVAQUIN^® and comparator groups. Surgery (incision and drainage or debridement) was performed on 45% of the LEVAQUIN^® -treated patients and 44% of the comparator-treated patients, either shortly before or during antibiotic treatment and formed an integral part of therapy for this indication.

Among those who could be evaluated clinically 2–5 days after completion of study drug, overall success rates (improved or cured) were 116/138 (84.1%) for patients treated with LEVAQUIN^® and 106/132 (80.3%) for patients treated with the comparator.

Success rates varied with the type of diagnosis ranging from 68% in patients with infected ulcers to 90% in patients with infected wounds and abscesses. These rates were equivalent to those seen with comparator drugs.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of prostatitis and microbiological culture results from urine sample collected after prostatic massage (VB₃) or expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) specimens obtained via the Meares-Stamey procedure were enrolled in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study comparing oral LEVAQUIN^® 500 mg, once daily for a total of 28 days to oral ciprofloxacin 500 mg, twice daily for a total of 28 days. The primary efficacy endpoint was microbiologic efficacy in microbiologically evaluable patients. A total of 136 and 125 microbiologically evaluable patients were enrolled in the LEVAQUIN^® and ciprofloxacin groups, respectively. The microbiologic eradication rate by patient infection at 5–18 days after completion of therapy was 75.0% in the LEVAQUIN^® group and 76.8% in the ciprofloxacin group (95% CI [-12.58, 8.98] for LEVAQUIN^® minus ciprofloxacin). The overall eradication rates for pathogens of interest are presented in Table 15.

Table 15: Bacteriological Eradication Rates (Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis )

	LEVAQUIN®(N = 136)		Ciprofloxacin (N = 125)
Pathogen	N	Eradication	N	Eradication
E. coli	15	14 (93.3%)	11	9 (81.8%)
E. faecalis	54	39 (72.2%)	44	33 (75.0%)
S. epidermidis*	11	9 (81.8%)	14	11 (78.6%)
*Eradication rates shown are for patients who had a sole pathogen only; mixed cultures were excluded.

 

Eradication rates for S. epidermidis when found with other co-pathogens are consistent with rates seen in pure isolates.

Clinical success (cure + improvement with no need for further antibiotic therapy) rates in microbiologically evaluable population 5–18 days after completion of therapy were 75.0% for LEVAQUIN^® -treated patients and 72.8% for ciprofloxacin-treated patients (95% CI [-8.87, 13.27] for LEVAQUIN^® minus ciprofloxacin). Clinical long-term success (24–45 days after completion of therapy) rates were 66.7% for the LEVAQUIN^® -treated patients and 76.9% for the ciprofloxacintreated patients (95% CI [-23.40, 2.89] for LEVAQUIN^® minus ciprofloxacin).

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections And Acute Pyelonephritis

5-Day Treatment Regimen

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the higher dose and shorter course of LEVAQUIN^® , 1109 patients with cUTI and AP were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial conducted in the US from November 2004 to April 2006 comparing LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg IV or orally once daily for 5 days (546 patients) with ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV or 500 mg orally twice daily for 10 days (563 patients). Patients with AP complicated by underlying renal diseases or conditions such as complete obstruction, surgery, transplantation, concurrent infection or congenital malformation were excluded. Efficacy was measured by bacteriologic eradication of the baseline organism(s) at the posttherapy visit in patients with a pathogen identified at baseline. The post-therapy (test-of-cure) visit occurred 10 to 14 days after the last active dose of LEVAQUIN^® and 5 to 9 days after the last dose of active ciprofloxacin.

The bacteriologic cure rates overall for LEVAQUIN^® and control at the test-of-cure (TOC) visit for the group of all patients with a documented pathogen at baseline (modified intent to treat or mITT) and the group of patients in the mITT population who closely followed the protocol (Microbiologically Evaluable) are summarized in Table 16.

Table 16: Bacteriological Eradication at Test-of-Cure

	LEVAQUIN® 750 mg orally or IV once daily for 5 days		Ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV/500 mg orally twice daily for 10 days		Overall Difference [95% CI]
	n/N	%	n/N	%	LEVAQUIN®-Ciprofloxacin
mITT Population*
Overall (cUTI or AP)	252/333	75.7	239/318	75.2	0.5 (-6.1, 7.1)
cUTI	168/230	73.0	157/213	73.7
AP	84/103	81.6	82/105	78.1
Microbiologically Evaluable Population†
Overall (cUTI or AP)	228/265	86.0	215/241	89.2	-3.2 [-8.9, 2.5]
cUTI	154/185	83.2	144/165	87.3
AP	74/80	92.5	71/76	93.4
*The mITT population included patients who received study medication and who had a positive (≥105 CFU/mL) urine culture with no more than 2 uropathogens at baseline. Patients with missing response were counted as failures in this analysis. † The Microbiologically Evaluable population included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cUTI or AP, a causative organism(s) at baseline present at ≥105 CFU/mL, a valid test-ofcure urine culture, no pathogen isolated from blood resistant to study drug, no premature discontinuation or loss to follow-up, and compliance with treatment (among other criteria).

 

Microbiologic eradication rates in the Microbiologically Evaluable population at TOC for individual pathogens recovered from patients randomized to LEVAQUIN^® treatment are presented in Table 17.

Table 17: Bacteriological Eradication Rates for Individual Pathogens Recovered From Patients Randomized to LEVAQUIN^® 750 mg QD for 5 Days Treatment

Pathogen	Bacteriological Eradication Rate (n/N)	%
Escherichia coli*	155/172	90
Klebsiella pneumoniae	20/23	87
Proteus mirabilis	12/12	100
* The predominant organism isolated from patients with AP was E. coli: 91% (63/69) eradication in AP and 89% (92/103) in patients with cUTI.

 

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections And Acute Pyelonephritis

10-Day Treatment Regimen

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the 250 mg dose, 10 day regimen of LEVAQUIN^® , 567 patients with uncomplicated UTI, mild-to-moderate cUTI, and mild-to-moderate AP were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial conducted in the US from June 1993 to January 1995 comparing LEVAQUIN^® 250 mg orally once daily for 10 days (285 patients) with ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally twice daily for 10 days (282 patients). Patients with a resistant pathogen, recurrent UTI, women over age 55 years, and with an indwelling catheter were initially excluded, prior to protocol amendment which took place after 30% of enrollment. Microbiological efficacy was measured by bacteriologic eradication of the baseline organism(s) at 1–12 days post-therapy in patients with a pathogen identified at baseline.

The bacteriologic cure rates overall for LEVAQUIN^® and control at the test-of-cure (TOC) visit for the group of all patients with a documented pathogen at baseline (modified intent to treat or mITT) and the group of patients in the mITT population who closely followed the protocol (Microbiologically Evaluable) are summarized in Table 18.

Table 18: Bacteriological Eradication Overall (cUTI or AP) at Test-Of-Cure*

	LEVAQUIN® 250 mg once daily for 10 days		Ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days
	n/N	%	n/N	%
mITT Population†	174/209	83.3	184/219	84.0
Microbiologically Evaluable Population‡	164/177	92.7	159/171	93.0
* 1–9 days posttherapy for 30% of subjects enrolled prior to a protocol amendment; 5–12 days posttherapy for 70% of subjects. †The mITT population included patients who had a pathogen isolated at baseline. Patients with missing response were counted as failures in this analysis. ‡ The Microbiologically Evaluable population included mITT patients who met protocolspecified evaluability criteria.

 

Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure)

The effectiveness of LEVAQUIN^® for this indication is based on plasma concentrations achieved in humans, a surrogate endpoint reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. LEVAQUIN^® has not been tested in humans for the post-exposure prevention of inhalation anthrax. The mean plasma concentrations of LEVAQUIN^® associated with a statistically significant improvement in survival over placebo in the rhesus monkey model of inhalational anthrax are reached or exceeded in adult and pediatric patients receiving the recommended oral and intravenous dosage regimens [see INDICATIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Levofloxacin pharmacokinetics have been evaluated in adult and pediatric patients. The mean (± SD) steady state peak plasma concentration in human adults receiving 500 mg orally or intravenously once daily is 5.7 ± 1.4 and 6.4 ± 0.8 mcg/mL, respectively; and the corresponding total plasma exposure (AUC ) is 47.5 ± 6.7 and 54.6 ± 11.1 mcg.h/mL, respectively. The predicted steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters in pediatric patients ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years receiving 8 mg/kg orally every 12 hours (not to exceed 250 mg per dose) were calculated to be comparable to those observed in adults receiving 500 mg orally once daily [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

LEVAQUIN^® Tablets can only be administered to pediatric patients with inhalational anthrax (postexposure) or plague who are 30 kg or greater due to the limitations of the available strengths [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

In adults, the safety of LEVAQUIN^® for treatment durations of up to 28 days is well characterized. However, information pertaining to extended use at 500 mg daily up to 60 days is limited. Prolonged LEVAQUIN^® therapy in adults should only be used when the benefit outweighs the risk.

In pediatric patients, the safety of levofloxacin for treatment durations of more than 14 days has not been studied. An increased incidence of musculoskeletal adverse events (arthralgia, arthritis, tendinopathy, gait abnormality) compared to controls has been observed in clinical studies with treatment duration of up to 14 days. Long-term safety data, including effects on cartilage, following the administration of levofloxacin to pediatric patients is limited [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].

A placebo-controlled animal study in rhesus monkeys exposed to an inhaled mean dose of 49 LD₅₀ (~2.7 × 10⁶) spores (range 17 – 118 LD₅₀) of B. anthracis (Ames strain) was conducted. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of levofloxacin for the anthrax strain used in this study was 0.125 mcg/mL. In the animals studied, mean plasma concentrations of levofloxacin achieved at expected Tmax (1 hour post-dose) following oral dosing to steady state ranged from 2.79 to 4.87 mcg/mL. Steady state trough concentrations at 24 hours post-dose ranged from 0.107 to 0.164 mcg/mL. Mean (SD) steady state AUC_0-24 was 33.4 ± 3.2 mcg.h/mL (range 30.4 to 36.0 mcg.h/mL). Mortality due to anthrax for animals that received a 30 day regimen of oral LEVAQUIN^® beginning 24 hrs post exposure was significantly lower (1/10), compared to the placebo group (9/10) [P = 0.0011, 2-sided Fisher’s Exact Test]. The one levofloxacin treated animal that died of anthrax did so following the 30-day drug administration period.

Plague

Efficacy studies of LEVAQUIN^® could not be conducted in humans with pneumonic plague for ethical and feasibility reasons. Therefore, approval of this indication was based on an efficacy study conducted in animals.

The mean plasma concentrations of LEVAQUIN^® associated with a statistically significant improvement in survival over placebo in an African green monkey model of pneumonic plague are reached or exceeded in adult and pediatric patients receiving the recommended oral and intravenous dosage regimens [see INDICATIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Levofloxacin pharmacokinetics have been evaluated in adult and pediatric patients. The mean (± SD) steady state peak plasma concentration in human adults receiving 500 mg orally or intravenously once daily is 5.7 ± 1.4 and 6.4 ± 0.8 mcg/mL, respectively; and the corresponding total plasma exposure (AUC_0-24) is 47.5 ± 6.7 and 54.6 ± 11.1 mcg.h/mL, respectively. The predicted steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters in pediatric patients ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years receiving 8 mg/kg orally every 12 hours (not to exceed 250 mg per dose) were calculated to be comparable to those observed in adults receiving 500 mg orally once daily [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. LEVAQUIN^® Tablets can only be administered to pediatric patients with inhalational anthrax (postexposure) or plague who are 30 kg or greater due to the limitations of the available strengths [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

A placebo-controlled animal study in African green monkeys exposed to an inhaled mean dose of 65 LD (range 3 to 145 LD₅₀) of Yersinia pestis (CO92 strain) was conducted. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of levofloxacin for the Y. pestis strain used in this study was 0.03 mcg/mL. Mean plasma concentrations of levofloxacin achieved at the end of a single 30-min infusion ranged from 2.84 to 3.50 mcg/mL in African green monkeys. Trough concentrations at 24 hours post-dose ranged from <0.03 to 0.06 mcg/mL. Mean (SD) AUC_0-24 was 11.9 (3.1) mcg.h/mL (range 9.50 to 16.86 mcg.h/mL). Animals were randomized to receive either a 10-day regimen of i.v. LEVAQUIN^® or placebo beginning within 6 hrs of the onset of telemetered fever (≥ 39°C for more than 1 hour). Mortality in the LEVAQUIN^® group was significantly lower (1/17) compared to the placebo group (7/7) [p<0.001, Fisher’s Exact Test; exact 95% confidence interval (-99.9%, -55.5%) for the difference in mortality]. One levofloxacin-treated animal was euthanized on Day 9 post-exposure to Y. pestis due to a gastric complication; it had a blood culture positive for Y. pestis on Day 3 and all subsequent daily blood cultures from Day 4 through Day 7 were negative.