DESCRIPTION BRAND
Levofloxacin is a synthetic broad spectrum antibacterial agent 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.
Its empirical formula is C18H20FN3O4•½H2O and its 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 demonstrates 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 active ingredients: 250 mg (as expressed in
the anhydrous form): hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, crospovidone,
microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol,
titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80 and synthetic red iron oxide. 500
mg (as expressed in the anhydrous form): hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,
crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene
glycol, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80 and synthetic red and yellow
iron oxides.
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