Oftaquix

The drug "Oftaquix" contains the active substance levofloxacin, which is an antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones. Levofloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections of the eye.

"Oftaquix" is usually used in the form of eye drops, which are applied to the conjunctival sac of the diseased eye according to the doctor's prescription. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor depending on the severity of the infection.

It is important to remember that Oftaquix should only be used as prescribed by a doctor, and it is not recommended to use it to treat other infections without the advice of a specialist. As with any antibiotic, Oftaquix should only be used for the recommended period of time to prevent bacteria from developing resistance to the drug.

Indications Oftaquix

Some of the eye infections that can be treated with Oftaquix include:

1. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the transparent covering of the front part of the eye), which can be caused by a variety of bacterial pathogens.
2. Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), often caused by a bacterial infection.
3. Dacryocystitis: Inflammation of the lacrimal gland, tear ducts, or tear sacs, which may be associated with bacterial infection.
4. Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid margins that may also be associated with bacterial infection.

Release form

Oftaquix eye drops are usually packaged in sterile droppers or vials with a dispenser, which provides convenience of use and helps prevent contamination of the solution. The concentration of levofloxacin in the eye solution is usually 0.5%, which provides effective antimicrobial action when applied topically.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of levofloxacin include several key aspects that make it a potent agent against a wide range of bacterial eye infections.

Mechanism of Action:

Levofloxacin exerts its antibacterial action by inhibiting two important enzymes involved in bacterial DNA replication: DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV.

1. DNA gyrase plays a key role in maintaining the structure of DNA during replication and transcription, allowing DNA to helically twist and unwind without damage. Inhibition of this enzyme interferes with normal DNA replication, leading to a halt in bacterial division and death.

2. Topoisomerase IV is important for the processes of chromosome separation during bacterial fission. Its inhibition prevents chromosome separation, which also leads to bacterial death.

Spectrum of antibacterial action:

Levofloxacin is active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including many strains resistant to other antibiotics. It is particularly effective against:

• Staphylococcus spp. Including Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (to a certain extent)
• and many other pathogens that cause eye infections.

This broad antibacterial activity makes OFTAQUIX an effective choice for treating a variety of bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and corneal ulcerations.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Levofloxacin may be absorbed through the conjunctiva of the eye after topical application as eye drops. It may also be absorbed into the systemic bloodstream when applied topically, although blood levels are much lower than after oral or injectable administration.
2. Distribution: After absorption, levofloxacin is rapidly distributed in ocular tissues, reaching high concentrations in conjunctiva, cornea and intraocular fluid.
3. Metabolism: Levofloxacin is not or only slightly metabolized in the body.
4. Excretion: Levofloxacin is excreted mainly by the kidneys, where it is partly eliminated unchanged and partly as metabolites. Small amounts may also be excreted through the bile.
5. Half-life: The half-life of levofloxacin is about 6-8 hours, which allows its use 1-2 times daily for the treatment of eye infections.
6. Interactions: Since levofloxacin is used topically in the form of eye drops, systemic interaction with other drugs is limited. However, when used concomitantly with other ophthalmic preparations, it is recommended to observe the interval between their use.

Dosing and administration

Here are general recommendations on how to use and doses of Oftaquix:

Method of Application:

1. Preparation: Before using the drops, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection in your eyes.
2. Application of drops: Tilt the head back, pull the lower eyelid down slightly to form a conjunctival sac, and gently inject the prescribed amount of drops into the eye.
3. Eye closure: After applying the drops, slowly close your eyes and lightly press the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) with your finger for 1-2 minutes. This will help minimize systemic absorption of the medicine.
4. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper: Do not touch the tip of the vial with your eyes or any surface to avoid contamination of thedroplets.

Dosage:

The dosage of Oftaquix may vary depending on the severity and type of infection and your doctor's recommendations. In general, it may be recommended for bacterial conjunctivitis for adults and children:

• Mild to moderate infections: Drop 1-2 drops into the affected eye every 2 hours throughout the day for the first two days, then 1-2 drops 4 times daily for the next 5 days.

For severe infections or other eye conditions, your doctor may prescribe a different treatment regimen.

Important Notes:

• Use Oftaquix strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not use the drops for longer than the recommended course of treatment to avoid the development of bacterial resistance.
• If you are using other eye medications, you should allow at least 5-10 minutes between applications.
• If symptoms do not improve or worsen, see your doctor.

Use Oftaquix during pregnancy

The use of levofloxacin during pregnancy is generally not recommended, especially in the first trimester, due to insufficient data on its safety for the fetus. The use of fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, may be associated with potential risks to fetal development, such as the risk of cartilage damage.

Contraindications

1. Vomiting and nausea: Swallowed gel may cause vomiting and nausea as the body may react to the undigested substance in the stomach.
2. Stomach pain and discomfort: Overdose may cause stomach pain or abdominal discomfort.
3. Diarrhea: An increased amount of gel in the stomach may irritate the intestines and cause diarrhea.
4. Possible effect on electrolyte balance: In case of significant overdose, there is a possible effect on electrolyte balance, which may cause various symptoms associated with electrolyte imbalance.

Side effects Oftaquix

1. Eye irritation: Temporary eye irritation or redness may occur after application of drops.
2. Burning or tingling sensation: Some patients may experience a temporary burning, tingling or discomfort in the eye.
3. Temporary blurred vision: In rare cases, temporary visual disturbances or blurriness may occur.
4. Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions such as itching, redness, swelling or rashes around the eye may occur. If you notice signs of allergy, you should stop using the product immediately and consult your doctor.
5. Ocular receptor sensitization: Prolonged and frequent use of levofloxacin may cause sensitization of ocular receptors, which may lead to the development of suppressed ocular disease.
6. Rare: In individual cases, serious side effects such as increased intraocular pressure, corneal hyperemia or even reactive inflammation may occur.

Overdose

1. Light intolerance (photosensitization).
2. Very severe or unexplained eye irritation.
3. Pain or burning in the eyes.
4. Pockets of bleeding in the eyes.
5. There may be headache, nausea, and other systemic symptoms.

In case of such symptoms, it is necessary to:

1. Flush the eye: If the medicine has been received in the eye, it should be flushed with plenty of clean water or saline solution. This may help reduce the amount of drug in the eye.
2. Seek medical attention: If possible, contact a doctor or the nearest health care facility. The levofloxacin dose taken and symptoms of overdose should be reported to your doctor.
3. Symptom Management: Treatment of overdose usually consists of symptomatic support, such as reducing eye pain and irritation, relieving photosensitization, etc.
4. Condition monitoring: It is important to continue to monitor the patient's condition and adjust treatment based on the patient's response to therapy.

Interactions with other drugs

1. CNS drugs: Like other fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin may increase the effects of drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS), such as sedatives, sleeping pills, alcohol, and some antidepressants. This may result in increased sedation and respiratory depression.
2. Drugs that prolong the QT interval: Levofloxacin may prolong the duration of the QT interval on ECG. Therefore, it should be administered with caution with drugs that may also prolong the QT interval, such as antiarrhythmic drugs, some antidepressants and antibiotics.
3. Drugs that reduce the concentration of calcium in the blood: Levofloxacin may increase the effect of drugs that reduce the concentration of calcium in the blood, such as bisphosphonates or calcinerin inhibitors.
4. Drugs affecting the metabolism of levofloxacin: Some drugs may alter the metabolism and clearance of levofloxacin, such as drugs that induce or inhibit cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.