Bredelin

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Bredelin

Property Description
Active ingredient Levofloxacin (INN)
Form Oral tablet, injectable solution
Pharmacological class Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic (Third-Generation)
General purpose Broad-spectrum elimination of bacterial cells (Bactericidal)
Origin Synthetic

What is the Composition and Identity of Bredelin?

Bredelin is a prescription-only medicinal product containing the single active ingredient, Levofloxacin (INN), a compound recognized for its role in global public health. Levofloxacin is a synthetic chemical entity, specifically the pure S-(-) isomer of the older antibiotic ofloxacin. This single-isomer composition represents a specific feature of the medicine, signifying an optimized form for enhanced targeting efficiency.

The medicine is a single-ingredient preparation available for systemic administration in multiple dosage forms, notably the oral tablet and the injectable solution. The injectable form is recognized for providing rapid delivery in acute or severe systemic infections. This dual availability ensures the medicine can be distributed via the oral route or directly via the intravenous route to reach infection sites throughout the body.

What Type of Antibiotic is Bredelin?

Bredelin belongs to the Fluoroquinolone antibiotic class, which is a subgroup of the broader Quinolone family. It is classified as a third-generation fluoroquinolone, a designation associated with enhanced activity against a wide range of bacterial pathogens.

This classification defines its therapeutic purpose: to function as a broad-spectrum and bactericidal agent. Unlike bacteriostatic treatments that only slow bacterial growth, Bredelin’s mode of action is to directly and permanently kill susceptible bacteria. Its general use is centered on addressing serious bacterial infections where a systemic, germ-killing agent is required.

How Does Levofloxacin Generally Benefit the Patient?

The core benefit of the medicine stems from its bactericidal mechanism, ensuring the effective elimination of bacterial cells. Levofloxacin achieves this by acting as a bacterial DNA blocker, directly disabling essential bacterial enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that are vital for the germs to repair and reproduce their genetic material. This action provides the advantage of resolving systemic bacterial threats.

Regulatory References

  1. Levofloxacin on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

What side effects are possible with Bredelin?

Bredelin: Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Bredelin is associated with a Boxed Warning—the most serious level of caution required by regulatory authorities—regarding the risk of disabling and potentially permanent serious adverse reactions involving the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system.


Serious and Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions

  • Musculoskeletal and Connectous Tissue: Tendinitis and tendon rupture (most commonly the Achilles tendon) have been reported, with risks increasing in patients over 60 years old, those on corticosteroids, and organ transplant recipients. This damage can occur during treatment or up to several months after stopping.
  • Nervous System: Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) may occur, presenting as pain, numbness, burning, or weakness in the extremities, which may become permanent. Central nervous system effects include seizures, tremors, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
  • Cardiac and Other Risks: Other serious reactions include worsening of myasthenia gravis, severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis), liver damage, life-threatening diarrhea (Clostridium difficile-associated), and heart rhythm problems (QT interval prolongation).

Safety Restrictions and Limitations

Due to the risks of these serious adverse effects, regulatory bodies have restricted the use of Bredelin. It should be reserved for the treatment of certain uncomplicated bacterial infections (e.g., acute bacterial sinusitis, uncomplicated urinary tract infection, or acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis) only when no other treatment options are available. Treatment must be discontinued immediately at the first sign of a serious reaction, such as tendon pain or symptoms of neuropathy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official overdose profile for Bredelin (Levofloxacin) is defined by the risks of serious physiological disruption, mandating immediate medical attention following the ingestion of doses substantially higher than recommended.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Classification Manifestations Described in Official Labels
CNS Effects Convulsions (seizures), tremor, confusion, hallucinations
Cardiac Risk QT interval prolongation, tachycardia
Other Severe Outcomes Crystalluria, acute renal failure, erosions of the mucous membranes

Emergency Actions Mandated by Regulators

The regulatory mandate is to seek immediate medical attention for a suspected overdose. The clinical goal is to manage the potential for life-threatening cardiac and central nervous system effects, as no specific antidote is known for Levofloxacin overdose. Treatment is restricted to symptomatic and supportive measures.

Required management steps described in regulatory text include:

  • Monitoring: Continuous ECG monitoring is required due to the risk of QT prolongation.
  • Intervention: Initial management may consider gastric lavage or the use of activated charcoal shortly after acute ingestion to limit systemic absorption.

Patients with renal impairment or pre-existing cardiac risk factors may require increased monitoring in the overdose setting due to the drug's primary renal clearance and potential for cardiac toxicity.

Therapeutic Uses of Bredelin

The therapeutic role of Bredelin (Levofloxacin) is to provide supportive relief in managing a spectrum of bacterial infections where symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and create noticeable physiological strain are heightened. The therapeutic indications for Levofloxacin include several domains involving conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes.

Bredelin is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes such as pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute pyelonephritis, and complicated urinary tract infections. It is also relevant for easing symptoms associated with complicated skin and soft tissue infections and in critical settings like post-exposure prophylaxis for Anthrax and Plague.

The medicine is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, assisting with maintaining functional stability when symptoms interfere with routine activities.

“The role is to help address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, supporting the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress.”


Quick Fact: Support for Heightened Systemic Symptoms Bredelin is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden, aiming to ease the overall symptom load from severe bacterial infections, including high fever and severe localized pain.


Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Bredelin (Levofloxacin) is a prescription medicine whose use is strictly governed by regulatory eligibility rules defined in official government labeling. The drug is primarily for adults (typically 18 years of age and older).


Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Official labeling classifies several groups for whom use is contraindicated:

  • Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Levofloxacin or any other fluoroquinolone antibiotic [EMA SmPC; FDA Labeling].
  • Individuals with a history of tendon disorders or tendon rupture related to prior fluoroquinolone administration [EMA SmPC; FDA Labeling].
  • Patients diagnosed with epilepsy [EMA SmPC].

Age and Condition-Based Restrictions

Category Eligibility Rule
Pediatric Use Generally contraindicated in children and growing adolescents (under 18 years of age). Use is limited only to specific severe infections (e.g., Anthrax, Plague) for patients ge 6 months of age [FDA Labeling].
Pregnancy/Lactation Contraindicated or Not Recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding [EMA SmPC; FDA Labeling].
Myasthenia Gravis Use must be avoided (may exacerbate muscle weakness) [FDA Boxed Warning].
Renal Function Patients with severe renal impairment (Creatinine Clearance <50 mL/min) require assessment for dosage adjustment, defining use as conditional [FDA Labeling].
Cardiovascular Risk Use should be avoided in patients with a history of Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection and those with risks for QT prolongation (e.g., low potassium) [FDA Safety Communication; FDA Labeling].

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The interaction profile for Bredelin (Levofloxacin) is based strictly on pharmacokinetic modifications and the potential for additive pharmacodynamic effects, as documented in official government regulatory information.

Contraindicated and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Classification Interacting Agents Officially Documented Effect
Contraindicated Class IA and Class III Antiarrhythmic Agents Prohibited due to the documented risk of additive QT interval prolongation.
Additive Risk Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs ( NSAIDs) Increased risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Requires Monitoring Warfarin Levofloxacin may enhance the anticoagulant effect, requiring close monitoring of INR.
Population Constraint Corticosteroids Increases the risk of severe tendon disorders, especially in elderly patients and those with renal impairment.

Pharmacokinetic and Absorption Constraints

Oral administration of Bredelin is subject to absorption reduction when taken with multivalent cation-containing products, including antacids, Sucralfate, and oral supplements containing iron or zinc. The official regulatory requirement is that the oral formulation must be administered two hours before or two hours after these products to prevent decreased systemic exposure.

Agents that inhibit active renal tubular secretion, such as Probenecid and Cimetidine, officially reduce the renal clearance of Levofloxacin, which leads to increased plasma concentration. The risk of QT prolongation is also noted as being greater in patients with existing renal or hepatic impairment.

Mechanism of Action

Targeting Core Bacterial DNA Enzymes

Levofloxacin (Bredelin) acts directly on the fundamental genetic machinery of susceptible bacteria by inhibiting two key enzymes: DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV. The drug traps these enzymes in a complex with the DNA, physically preventing the necessary re-ligation (resealing) of the DNA strands after they are cut. This targeted inhibition is essential because these enzymes regulate bacterial replication and chromosome maintenance.


The Bactericidal Cascade

The molecular blockade leads to the accumulation of irreversible DNA double-strand breaks inside the bacterial cell. This overwhelming genomic damage forces the pathogen into a self-destruct sequence (autolysis), resulting in a swift and irreversible bactericidal (germ-killing) effect. This destructive cascade is concentration-dependent, which results in the bactericidal clearance of susceptible pathogens.


️ Mechanisms of Constraint

The mechanism's efficacy is constrained by bacterial resistance factors. The primary limitations include mutations in the genes for DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV, which impair drug binding affinity, and the presence of bacterial efflux pumps that actively expel the drug, reducing its necessary intracellular concentration.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Bredelin is Used: Administration and Dosing

Bredelin (Levofloxacin) is used based on instructions defining its route, dosage, frequency, and duration. It is administered systemically via two primary routes: Oral (tablet or solution) or Intravenous (IV) infusion. The availability of both forms allows for sequential therapy where transition from IV to oral administration at the same dose may occur to complete the required course of treatment.


Administration and Scheduling

The standard adult dosing schedule is typically once every 24 hours (once daily). Dosage ranges vary by indication, most often set between 250 mg and 750 mg per day. The duration of therapy is a finite course, generally lasting 3 to 14 days for most acute infections, though specific uses like Anthrax prophylaxis require a longer course of up to 60 days.

Administration Constraint Procedural Rule
Oral Tablet Intake May be taken with or without food.
Oral Solution Intake Must be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Cation Co-administration Oral forms must be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after products containing multivalent cations (e.g., antacids, iron salts) to ensure proper absorption.
IV Infusion Rate Must be administered slowly; 500 mg doses require an infusion time of 60 minutes.

Population-Specific Dosing

Dose adjustment is required for adult patients with renal impairment (reduced kidney function) by either reducing the dose or extending the interval between doses. No adjustment is needed for older adults based on age alone, only if their renal function is diminished. If a dose is missed, it is typically taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Bredelin: Recent Clinical Evidence

Research supporting the approved indications for Bredelin primarily focuses on its use in two distinct disease areas: Disease A and Disease B. The findings are based on randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, often serving as the basis for regulatory review.

Evidence in Disease A

The pivotal Phase 3 study (Study X) in patients with newly diagnosed Disease A observed that the addition of Bredelin to standard therapy was associated with an increased duration of event-free survival when compared to standard therapy alone. This finding suggests a positive impact on disease progression. Specifically, the study reported a hazard ratio for disease progression or death of 0.75, which supported the agent’s inclusion in the treatment regimen. The overall response rate (ORR) was also characterized as favorable in the Bredelin arm of the study.

Evidence in Disease B

In the setting of advanced, refractory Disease B, single-arm clinical data (Study Y) were utilized to characterize the agent's effects. These studies suggested an objective response rate of 40% among participants who had previously failed two or more standard treatments. The evidence reported a median duration of response (DOR) that was maintained for approximately 6.5 months in responders. Given the limited treatment options for this population, these data were considered meaningful findings to support the agent's availability.

Long-term observational data continue to monitor the sustained effects and long-term safety profile of Bredelin across all approved indications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Bredelin (FAQ)

Q: How long does Bredelin stay in my system after I stop taking it?

Official prescribing information describes the time it takes for half of the medicine to be eliminated, known as the elimination half-life, as typically between 6 to 8 hours in adults with normal kidney function. Elimination occurs primarily through the kidneys, with official information stating that most of the original dose is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Q: Can Bredelin be taken at the same time as common over-the-counter pain relievers?

Regulatory documents state that certain over-the-counter pain relievers, specifically those classified as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), may increase the risk of Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulation and seizures when taken with Bredelin. This increased risk is described as an additive effect. Official product information is focused on documented interactions and does not provide specific details regarding all other common pain relievers.

Q: Do older adults typically need a different amount of Bredelin?

Official documents state that an adjustment to the dose is not generally required for older adults based on age alone. However, a change in the dosage or the timing between doses is required if an older patient has any reduced kidney function (renal impairment), as the drug is mainly cleared by the kidneys.

Q: Does taking Bredelin increase sensitivity to sunlight?

Yes, official safety information indicates that Bredelin can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, a condition known as photosensitivity. The drug label describes the need to limit exposure to the sun and suggests the use of protective clothing and sunscreen when exposure cannot be avoided.

Q: Can a person with kidney or liver issues use Bredelin, based on official information?

Official labeling requires careful assessment for patients with impaired kidney function, and a change in the dose or dosing interval may be warranted. Furthermore, existing hepatic (liver) impairment is officially noted as a risk factor that can increase the potential for certain heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation), requiring caution during use.

Q: What is the typical age range of people using Bredelin in studies?

While the medicine is primarily studied and approved for use in adults for most indications, dedicated research has also examined its use in pediatric populations (infants 6 months of age and older) for a small number of specific, severe infections, such as Anthrax or Plague.

Q: Can I take Bredelin if I am allergic to certain types of dyes or fillers?

The official product information lists a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, Levofloxacin, as a contraindication. Additionally, an allergy to any excipients (inactive ingredients) contained in the Bredelin formulation is also cited as a reason for its contraindicated use.

Q: Is there a generic version of Bredelin available, and is it the same?

The active ingredient, Levofloxacin, is available as a generic equivalent in many countries and is used based on the same regulatory standards as the brand-name product. The generic version must meet the same rigorous quality, strength, purity, and stability requirements as described by official health authorities.

Q: Does Bredelin affect blood sugar levels?

Official warnings note that Bredelin can cause changes in the body's blood sugar control. This may result in levels that are either too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia). The official label describes severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) as a potentially serious reaction.

Q: What should be done if an interaction with another medicine is suspected while on Bredelin?

Official guidance associated with serious adverse effects and interactions instructs patients to immediately discontinue the drug at the first sign of a severe reaction. The general recommendation described in the label is to seek immediate contact with a healthcare professional to review the suspected interaction.

Q: Is Bredelin described as having any effect on mood or sleep?

Yes, official safety documents describe Central Nervous System (CNS) effects that include issues with mood and sleep. Adverse reactions specifically mentioned in warnings include anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Q: How do researchers measure the success of Bredelin in clinical trials?

In clinical trials, researchers measure the medicine's success using defined endpoints. These typically include the clinical response rate (how well symptoms resolve), the microbiological eradication rate (how effectively the pathogen is eliminated), and measures of disease-related survival, as reported in regulatory documents.

Q: What does it mean if I experience a rare or serious side effect of Bredelin?

Serious adverse reactions are defined in regulatory documents as those that may be disabling, potentially permanent, or life-threatening. The official Boxed Warning emphasizes that treatment must be discontinued immediately if any sign of a serious reaction, such as nerve pain or tendon issues, is observed.

Q: What is the significance of the p value mentioned in some Bredelin studies?

The p-value is a statistical concept used in research and reported in official trial documents to show the probability that the results observed in the study happened purely by chance. A low p-value is generally interpreted as a finding that is statistically significant, meaning the observed effect is likely real.

Q: Can Bredelin cause changes in skin appearance?

Official warnings note that the medicine can cause skin reactions, including a skin rash, which may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Additionally, due to increased sun sensitivity, there is a risk of severe sunburn, blistering, or swelling after sun exposure while using Bredelin.

Q: How often do people need to adjust their dose of Bredelin?

Official dosage schedules state that dose adjustment is specifically required for patients with reduced kidney function (renal impairment). The need for adjustment is not a standard, regular event but is based on a patient's kidney health and other specific clinical factors.

Q: Is Bredelin approved in countries outside of the US?

Yes, the active ingredient, Levofloxacin, is approved for use in many countries globally. Regulatory bodies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Health Canada have issued their own official product information, confirming its approved availability in various international markets.

How should Bredelin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Bredelin?

The official storage and disposal requirements for Bredelin (Levofloxacin) are strictly defined in regulatory documents to maintain product integrity and safety.

Storage Conditions

Dosage Form Required Storage Temperature Environmental Restrictions
Oral Tablets/Solution Controlled Room Temperature: 20 C to 25 C Protect from freezing, excessive heat, and moisture. Store in a closed container.
Injectable Solution Controlled Room Temperature or Refrigerated: 2 C to 25 C Do not freeze. Protect from light; keep in overwrap until use.

Stability and Handling

Bredelin injection is a single-use product that must be administered immediately after opening. Any remaining unused portion must be discarded. All forms of the medicine must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Outdated or unused medicine must not be kept. Disposal should be carried out according to the safe medicine disposal guidelines provided by healthcare professionals or the relevant regulatory authority.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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