LEVOBACT 500MG TABS 10S

What Is LEVOBACT 750mg?

Levobact 500mg contains Levofloxacin, a powerful broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from replicating their DNA and effectively killing them.

Levofloxacin is the purified, more potent L-isomer of ofloxacin, providing superior antibacterial activity with once-daily dosing convenience.

What Is It Used For?

Levobact 500mg is prescribed for serious bacterial infections requiring a potent, broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Its most important uses in Kenya include community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), including cases that may involve atypical organisms like Legionella or Mycoplasma, complicated urinary tract infections and kidney infections (pyelonephritis), complicated skin and soft tissue infections, acute bacterial sinusitis, and as part of multi-drug regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

The 750mg once-daily dose for 5 days is particularly effective for pneumonia, offering equivalent outcomes to longer courses of lower doses and improving patient compliance.

Usual Dose

500mg once daily. The prescribed duration varies: 5 days for pneumonia, 5–10 days for UTI/pyelonephritis, as directed for other infections.

With or Without Food

Can be taken with or without food. Take at the same time each day.

Avoid Antacids and Iron

Do not take antacids, multivitamins with iron/zinc, or sucralfate within 2 hours of taking Levobact; they significantly reduce absorption.

Hydration

Drink plenty of fluids (at least 1.5–2 litres per day) to reduce the risk of crystallisation in the kidneys.

Complete the Course

Always complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better, stopping early risks relapse and antibiotic resistance.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered. If nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never double up.

Common Side Effects

·       Nausea

·       Diarrhoea

·       Headache

·       Dizziness

·       Insomnia

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Abdominal pain

·       Elevated liver enzymes

·       Skin rash

·       Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)

·       Changes in blood glucose (hypo or hyperglycaemia in diabetics)

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Tendinitis and tendon rupture, especially the Achilles tendon (risk higher in patients over 60, on corticosteroids, or with renal impairment)

·       QT prolongation and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias

·       Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness in hands/feet, discontinue if this occurs)

·       Clostridioides difficile colitis (antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, seek care if diarrhoea is severe)

·       Central nervous system effects: seizures, confusion, hallucinations

·       Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis

·       Aortic aneurysm / dissection (rare class effect, avoid in high-risk patients)

·       TENDON RUPTURE: Stop Levobact immediately and rest the affected area if you experience any tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation. The Achilles tendon is most vulnerable, avoid strenuous exercise.

·       PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: Report tingling, burning, pain, or weakness in the arms or legs immediately, discontinue if these occur.

·       AVOID SUN EXPOSURE: Use sunscreen and protective clothing, Levofloxacin increases skin sensitivity to sunlight.

·       DRIVING: May cause dizziness, confusion, or altered vision, do not drive until you know your response.

·       BLOOD SUGAR: Diabetic patients may experience unusual blood glucose changes, monitor closely.

·       CARDIAC: Avoid in patients with known or suspected cardiac arrhythmias, or those on QT-prolonging medicines.

·       ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP: Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum, use only when clinically necessary and for the shortest effective duration.

Antacids (aluminium, magnesium), calcium supplements, iron, zinc, sucralfate: Reduce Levofloxacin absorption, separate by at least 2 hours.

NSAIDs: Increase risk of CNS effects and seizures with fluoroquinolones.

QT-prolonging drugs (amiodarone, haloperidol, chloroquine, azithromycin): Additive QT prolongation, avoid combination.

Warfarin: Levofloxacin may increase INR, monitor closely.

Hypoglycaemic agents (glibenclamide, insulin): Unpredictable glucose changes, monitor blood sugar in diabetics.

Corticosteroids: Significantly increase the risk of tendon rupture with fluoroquinolones.

·       Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

·       Keep in original blister pack.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

Levobact 500mg is a prescription-only antibiotic (POM) in Kenya. A valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner is required. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription. Responsible antibiotic dispensing without a prescription is not appropriate for fluoroquinolones.

Levofloxacin 500mg is a high-dose, short-course strategy that maximises bactericidal efficacy and is guideline-supported for CAP and complicated UTI. The critical counselling points for this class are: tendinopathy (stop and rest immediately), peripheral neuropathy (discontinue immediately), and photosensitivity.

Check the full medication list for QT-prolonging drugs; chloroquine is widely used in Kenya and represents a potentially serious interaction. Corticosteroid co-administration dramatically increases tendon rupture risk, flag this combination.

Warfarin INR monitoring is essential if co-prescribed; levofloxacin consistently elevates INR.

The absorption interaction with antacids and iron/zinc is clinically significant in Kenya, where antacid use is widespread; counsel explicitly on the 2-hour separation.

Antibiotic stewardship applies: ensure appropriate indication, documented prescriber assessment, and course completion counselling.

Q1: Why can't I take antacids at the same time as Levobact?

A: Antacids, iron tablets, and calcium supplements bind to Levofloxacin in the stomach and prevent it from being properly absorbed into your bloodstream. Wait at least 2 hours after taking Levobact before taking these products.

Q2: Why does Levobact need to be taken with lots of water?

A: Good hydration prevents Levofloxacin crystals from forming in the kidneys, which could cause kidney damage. Aim for at least 1.5–2 litres of fluids per day.

Q3: What are the tendon warnings I should know about?

A: Levofloxacin can occasionally cause tendon inflammation or rupture, especially the Achilles tendon. Stop the medicine immediately and rest the affected area if you develop tendon pain or swelling. The risk is higher in people over 60 or on steroid medicines.

Q4: Can Levobact affect my blood sugar if I have diabetes?

A: Yes, Levofloxacin can cause unpredictable changes in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Monitor your blood glucose more closely while on this antibiotic.

Q5: Can I sunbathe while on Levobact?

A: Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure. Levofloxacin makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity), which can cause sunburn more easily. Use sunscreen and protective clothing.