Levofloxacin for children
Such a broad spectrum antibacterial drug, such as Levofloxacin, is often prescribed for adults with otitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, pyelonephritis, and other infections. But is this antibiotic permitted in childhood and when is it used in children?
Release form
Levofloxacin is produced by many pharmaceutical companies (Rafarm, Dalchimpharm, Astrafarm, Mistletoe, Atoll, etc.) in convenient forms:
- coated tablets;
- eye drops;
- injection.
In such conditions as suspension, capsules or syrup, Levofloxacin is not produced.
Can it be used in children?
At children's age it is authorized to use only eye drops. Such Levofloxacin is used in children older than a year and is represented by a yellowish-green transparent liquid, poured into 1 ml tubes-droppers and 5 or 10 ml bottles-droppers.
Other forms of the drug are contraindicated up to 18 years, because they adversely affect the cartilage tissue. If such products are given to children, this will affect the condition of the articular cartilage and disrupt the function of the joints. Since the eye drops act locally and enter the bloodstream in a very low concentration, they can be used in childhood, but only under the supervision of a physician.
Composition
Levofloxacin hemihydrate acts as an active component of drops. In 1 ml of medication its amount is 5 mg. Auxiliary ingredients of the drug are edetate disodium, hydrochloric acid solution and sterile water, as well as sodium chloride and benzalkonium chloride.
Operating principle
Levofloxacin has a wide range of bactericidal effects on many types of microorganisms. The drug is harmful for staphylococcus, corynebacterium, hemophilus bacilli, streptococcus and many other harmful bacteria. By acting on such microbes, the drug inhibits the enzymes that are involved in the reproduction of DNA, resulting in damage to the membranes, cell walls and cytoplasm of pathogens.
Indications
Levofloxacin in the form of drops is prescribed to children in case of infection of the eyes with those types of bacteria that are affected by this drug.
Contraindications
Do not bury Levofloxacin eyes:
- When hypersensitivity to any component of the drug.
- At the age of one year.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side effects
After applying Levofloxacin in drops, the child may complain of a burning sensation in the eyes. In addition, eyes may be reddened or visual acuity may decrease in a small patient. More rare side effects are headaches, mucus, allergies, runny nose, pain in the eyes, redness of the eyelids and other symptoms.
Instructions for use
Before using the medicine, the bottle or tube is freed from the protective cap, turned over and injected into one eye or alternately into each eye the right amount of drops. To prevent the solution from becoming contaminated, do not touch the end of the dropper to the patient’s body.
It is necessary to drip Levofloxacin into the eyes one drop to each conjunctival sac. Also, the drug can be prescribed in a single dosage of 2 drops. In the first two days of treatment, the drug is applied up to 8 times, dripping it every two hours.Next, the tool begins to use with an interval of 4 hours (four times a day). Total drug is used from 5 to 7 days.
Overdose and drug interactions
Excess dose drops leads to tearing, burning, swelling, redness, cramps. To eliminate these symptoms, wash your eyes with water and consult a doctor.
On the incompatibility of the drug with other means of data from the manufacturer. However, if Levofloxacin is prescribed with other eye drops, there should be an interval of at least 15 minutes between their use.
Terms of sale and storage
Levofloxacin eye drops are sold with a prescription. One bottle on average costs about 160 rubles. The manufacturer advises to keep it at home out of the reach of the rays of the sun and small children at a temperature below +25 degrees. The shelf life of the unopened medication is 3 years. After the first use of the drug can be applied only 4 weeks.
Reviews
About the treatment of children Levofloxacin in the form of drops there are many good reviews. Mothers who dripped such medicine for barley and purulent conjunctivitis, in most cases, high efficacy of the drug. Its advantages are also low price, no burning sensation and convenient use. The disadvantages of such drops is called a small shelf life and the need for frequent instillation.
Analogs
Replacing Levofloxacin for eye diseases in children may be other drugs based on the same active compound. Among them, L-Optik Rompharm, Oftakviks and Signitsef are available in the form of eye drops. All of them can be used from 1 year old, but are prescribed for children with caution.
Instead of Levofloxacin, a pediatrician or ophthalmologist may also prescribe another antibacterial agent to the child, for example:
A detailed review of the drug Levofloxacin can be seen in the following video.
