ADVAQUIN 500mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is ADVAQUIN 500mg

ADVAQUIN 500mg is a film-coated tablet containing levofloxacin hemihydrate, a potent antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class. It is widely used to treat various bacterial infections by targeting the bacteria responsible for causing these diseases. Its broad-spectrum activity allows it to be effective against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, making it a versatile choice for different infection types.

• Active Ingredient: Levofloxacin (as hemihydrate) 500 mg
• Formulation: Film-coated tablets, facilitating easier swallowing and protecting the drug from stomach acid
• Packaging: 7 tablets per blister strip
• Therapeutic Use: Used for respiratory tract infections (like pneumonia and bronchitis), urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, sinusitis, and prostatitis.
• Antibacterial Spectrum: Effective against a wide range of aerobic bacteria, including resistant strains, due to its unique mechanism.
• Prescription Medicine: Must be taken under medical supervision because of potential side effects and specific dosing requirements.

How to use ADVAQUIN 500mg

Proper use of ADVAQUIN 500mg is essential to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize side effects or resistance development.

• Follow Prescription: Take exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually one 500mg tablet once daily.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water to ensure proper absorption.
• With or Without Food: Can be taken with or without meals, but avoid dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone close to dosing as they may reduce absorption.
• Avoid Certain Supplements: Do not take antacids, sucralfate, iron, or zinc supplements within two hours before or after taking ADVAQUIN to prevent interaction and poor absorption.
• Complete the Course: Even if symptoms improve, finish the entire prescribed course to prevent recurrence and resistance.
• Hydrate Well: Drink plenty of fluids to help reduce the risk of kidney problems during treatment.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it's near the time for the next dose. Do not double doses.

Mode of Action ADVAQUIN 500mg

Levofloxacin works by interfering with essential enzymes in bacteria that control DNA replication, ultimately killing the bacteria and stopping infection.

• Inhibition of DNA Gyrase: Levofloxacin binds to and inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase, an enzyme critical for maintaining DNA supercoiling during replication.
• Inhibition of Topoisomerase IV: It also blocks topoisomerase IV, which is involved in separating replicated DNA strands during bacterial cell division.
• Bactericidal Action: By inhibiting these enzymes, the drug causes DNA breaks and prevents bacteria from multiplying, leading to bacterial cell death.
• Selective Targeting: Levofloxacin selectively affects bacterial enzymes over human enzymes, minimizing harm to the host while effectively eradicating the infection.

ADVAQUIN 500mg Interactions ADVAQUIN 500mg

Several important drug interactions with ADVAQUIN should be considered to avoid reduced efficacy or increased adverse effects:

• Antacids and Mineral Supplements: Products containing aluminum, magnesium, calcium, iron, or zinc can bind to levofloxacin in the digestive tract and decrease its absorption, lowering effectiveness.
• Warfarin and Other Anticoagulants: Levofloxacin may potentiate the effects of blood thinners like warfarin, increasing bleeding risk; close monitoring of blood clotting times (INR) is advised.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Co-administration may increase the risk of seizures due to CNS stimulation.
• Drugs Prolonging QT Interval: Combining ADVAQUIN with medications that prolong the QT interval, such as certain antiarrhythmics or antipsychotics, can increase the risk of serious heart arrhythmias.
• Diabetes Medications: May cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels; careful glucose monitoring is recommended.
• Corticosteroids: Concurrent use may raise the risk of tendonitis or tendon rupture.

Dosage of ADVAQUIN 500mg

The appropriate dosage of ADVAQUIN varies depending on the infection being treated and individual patient factors:

• Adults: Typically, 500 mg once daily.
• Duration: Varies by infection; usually 5-14 days for most infections, extended treatment for complicated or severe cases.
• Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments required for patients with decreased kidney function to prevent toxicity.
• Specific Infections: For complicated urinary tract infections or prostatitis, treatment may extend up to 28 days.
• Pediatric Use: Generally not recommended due to risk of joint toxicity, except in certain serious infections and under specialist supervision.

Possible side effects of ADVAQUIN 500mg

While effective, ADVAQUIN can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. Awareness of these helps with timely management:

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Central Nervous System: Rarely, seizures, confusion, tremors, or hallucinations, particularly in elderly or those with CNS disorders.
• Tendinopathy: Risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture, especially the Achilles tendon; risk increases with corticosteroid use, advanced age, or organ transplantation.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, or anaphylaxis in rare cases.
• Photosensitivity: Increased risk of sunburn or skin reactions upon sun exposure.
• Cardiac Effects: Rare cases of QT prolongation and arrhythmias.
• Severe but Rare: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and liver toxicity.

ADVAQUIN 500mg Contraindications ADVAQUIN 500mg

ADVAQUIN should be avoided in certain populations and conditions due to potential risks:

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to levofloxacin, other fluoroquinolones, or any tablet excipients.
• Children and Adolescents: Generally contraindicated due to risk of musculoskeletal adverse effects unless the benefits outweigh risks.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use only if benefits justify potential risk; consult a healthcare provider.
• History of Tendon Disorders: Patients with previous tendonitis or tendon rupture related to fluoroquinolone use.
• Known QT Prolongation: Patients with congenital long QT syndrome or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs.

Storage of ADVAQUIN 500mg

Proper storage maintains the drug’s stability and effectiveness:

• Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature, preferably between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place, protected from moisture.
• Light: Store in original blister packaging to avoid light exposure that can degrade the medication.
• Child Safety: Keep out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Expiration: Do not use after the expiration date indicated on the package.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired tablets according to local regulations to prevent environmental contamination.