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LEVOFLOXACIN


DIR Classification


Classification:Most-DIQT concern
Severity Score:4.0

Description in Drug Labeling: View Full Labeling: SPL in DailyMed | PDF

  • WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
  • Prolongation of the QT Interval
  • Some fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, 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 levofloxacin. Levofloxacin 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 (6.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.5), and Patient Counseling Information (17.3)].
  • ADVERSE REACTIONS
  • Prolongation of the QT Interval [seeWarningsandPrecautions(5.10)]
  • Cardiac Disorders
  • isolated reports of torsade de pointes,electrocardiogram QT prolonged[seeWarnings and Precautions(5.10)]
  • PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
  • 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 (5.11) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
  • 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.
  • MEDICATION GUIDE
  • Serious heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation and torsades de pointes) Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in your heart beat (a fast or irregular heartbeat), or if you faint. Levofloxacin tablets 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)
  • USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
  • Elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects on the QT interval. Therefore, precaution should be taken when using levofloxacin 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 (5.10)].

Postmarketing Surveillance

Contingency Table:

Current Drug
Other Drugs
QT Prolongation
240
23852
Other ADRs
111506
38270081

Odds Ratio = 3.454

Drug Property Information



ATC Code(s):
  • J01MA12 - levofloxacin
    • J01MA - Fluoroquinolones
    • J01M - QUINOLONE ANTIBACTERIALS
    • J01 - ANTIBACTERIALS FOR SYSTEMIC USE
    • J - ANTIINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE
  • S01AE05 - levofloxacin
    • S01AE -
    • S01A - ANTIINFECTIVES
    • S01 - OPHTHALMOLOGICALS
    • S - SENSORY ORGANS
Active Ingredient:LEVOFLOXACIN
Active Ingredient UNII:6GNT3Y5LMF
Drugbank ID:DB01137
PubChem Compound:149096
CTD ID:D064704
PharmGKB:PA450214
CAS Number:100986-85-4
Dosage Form(s):tablet
Route(s) Of Administrator:oral
Daily Dose:
  • 500.0 mg/day J01MA12
Chemical Structure:
SMILE Code:
C[C@H]1COC2=C3N1C=C(C(O)=O)C(=O)C3=CC(F)=C2N1CCN(C)CC1

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The content of this database of QT prolongation is intended for educational and scientific research purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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