Download Iquix Drug Monograph

Preferred Drug List
NEW DRUG REVIEW
Proprietary Name: Iquix®
Common Name: Levofloxacin
PDL Category: Op. Quinolones 4th Generation
Comparable Products
Vigamox®
Zymar®
Preferred Drug List/
Recommended Drug List Status
Preferred
Non-Preferred
Summary
Indications and Usage: Treatment of bacterial corneal ulcer with activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and
Gram-negative ocular pathogens.1
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, enzymes required for DNA replication,
transcription, repair, and recombination.1
Dosage Forms: Solution, ophthalmic: 1.5%
Recommended Dosage: 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye every 30 minutes to 2 hours while awake and 4 and 6 hours after
bedtime for the first 3 days, then 1 to 2 drops every 1 to 4 hours while awake for the rest of the treatment duration.1
Common Adverse Drug Reactions: Headache, taste disturbance.1
Contraindications: Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, to other quinolones, or to any of the
components in this medication.1
Manufacturer: Santen
Analysis: Iquix® is a fluoroquinolone ophthalmic solution indicated for the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcer with
activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative ocular pathogens. Iquix® binds stronger to DNA
gyrase, while Vigamox® and Zymar® bind with a high affinity to both topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase. In two
randomized, double masked, multicenter controlled clinical trials comparing Iquix® and ofloxacin ophthalmic solutions,
mean clinical cure rates were approximately similar at 80% and 84%, respectively. An advantage of Iquix® is its
preservative-free status, however Vigamox® also is preservative free.1 Preferred alternatives appear on the Preferred
Drug List which are more cost effective. Therefore, it is recommended that Iquix® be added to the Preferred Drug List as
a non-preferred drug.
Preferred Drug
Non-Preferred Drug
Preferred Drug with Conditions
1. Iquix® [package insert]. Tampere, Finland: Santen; 2007.
IME Recommendation:
Prepared By: Iowa Medicaid Enterprise
Recommended Drug
Non-Recommended Drug
Date: 10/14/2008
PA Criteria Proposal z 2
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