Loxof 500mg Tablet (Levofloxacin) – Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic

Loxof 500mg Tablet contains Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is effective against infections of the respiratory tract (such as pneumonia), urinary tract, nose, throat, skin, and soft tissues. It acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA-gyrase, thereby stopping the growth and multiplication of bacteria. This helps in eliminating the infection from the body.

Uses of Loxof 500mg Tablet:

• Treatment of Bacterial infections
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
• Infections of the nose and throat
• Skin and soft tissue infections

Benefits of Loxof 500mg Tablet:

• Quick relief from symptoms of bacterial infection
• Broad-spectrum antibacterial action
• Effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
• Convenient once-daily dosing in most cases

Side Effects of Loxof 500mg Tablet:

Common side effects (usually mild and temporary):

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea (should resolve after completing the course)

Note: Inform your doctor if diarrhea becomes severe, persistent, or contains blood.

How to Use Loxof 500mg Tablet?

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow whole with water. Do not chew, crush, or break.
• Can be taken with or without food, but at a fixed time daily is preferred.
• Avoid consuming with dairy products (milk, curd, paneer, butter, cheese, ice cream).

How Loxof 500mg Tablet Works?

Levofloxacin in Loxof 500mg inhibits bacterial enzymes DNA-gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are crucial for bacterial DNA processes. This leads to prevention of bacterial replication and ultimately kills the bacteria.

Safety Advice:

• Alcohol: Safe. No interaction with alcohol is known.
• Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby.
• Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor. May pass into breast milk and harm the infant.
• Driving: Unsafe. May cause dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances. Avoid driving if affected.
• Kidney: Use with caution. Dose adjustment may be required. Consult your doctor in case of kidney problems.
• Liver: Limited data available. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if symptoms of jaundice occur.

Missed Dose?

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at once.

Drug Interactions:

Concurrent use with the following medications may cause serious side effects:

• Domperidone: Life-threatening. Can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.
• Artemether (Oral/Injection): Severe risk of heart rhythm issues. ECG monitoring may be needed, especially in elderly or cardiac patients.
• Amiodarone (Oral/Injection): Can cause severe QT prolongation. ECG monitoring advised with concurrent use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is Loxof 500mg Tablet safe?

Yes, it is safe if used in the prescribed dose and duration. Do not self-medicate or change the dose without medical advice.

What if I forget to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose.

Can it cause diarrhea?

Yes. It may disrupt beneficial bacteria, leading to diarrhea. Report to your doctor if diarrhea becomes severe or bloody.

Should I stop the tablet once I feel better?

No. Complete the full course to avoid relapse or antibiotic resistance.

Can it cause muscle damage?

Yes, especially in people over 60. Risk of tendon damage (commonly Achilles tendon) exists. Report any muscle or joint pain immediately to your doctor.