Bioavailability
File: Levofloxacin
Diren SARISALTIK*, Zeynep Þafak TEKSÝN**,°
* Drogsan Pharmaceuticals, Department of
Regulatory Affairs, 06520, Balgat-Ankara, Turkey
** Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of
Pharmaceutical Technology, 06330, Etiler-Ankara, Turkey
°Corresponding author E-mail: zsteksin@gazi.edu.tr
Summary
Levofloxacin (LVFX) is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent
with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and
Gram-negative aerobic bacteria and atypical bacteria, and
limited activity against most anaerobic bacteria. It exerts
its antibacterial effects by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase
and topoisomerase IV. LVFX is well absorbed with
bioavailability of approximately 99%. Its volume of
distribution is about 1.1 L/kg and protein binding 24-38%.
It is excreted through the kidneys with 64-102% of the dose
as unchanged drug. The half-life of LVFX is between 6-9
hours. According to Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS),
LVFX is in Class 1 (high solubility/high permeability). The
physicochemical properties, analytical methods,
pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and pharmacology of LVFX
are discussed in this review.
Key Words :
Levofloxacin, pharmacokinetic,
bioavailability, pharmacology, Biopharmaceutics
Classification System (BCS).
