Quinsair™

Quinsair™

This product is manufactured by Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. using the ingredient levofloxacin.

This product is taken via oral inhalation.

Why is it prescribed?

Quinsair™ is used in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 18 years or older with chronic pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections.

 

Quinsair™ is administered using an inhaler called the Zirela™ Nebulizer Handset. This inhaler is only designed for use with Quinsair™. The handset consists of an Aerosol Head connected to an eBase or an eFlow® rapid Controller. The eBase Controller provides the energy to the Aerosol Head to make the medicine easy to breathe in. You should not use Quinsair™ with any other type of handset or aerosol head.
The solution should be clear and yellow. Do not use the solution if it is cloudy or if particles appear in this solution.
Carefully read the instructions before use.
Drink plenty of water or liquids to remain well hydrated.

Store at controlled room temperature (15°C to 30°C). Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
 Do not use past the expiration date marked on the ampoule.
 The ampoules are for single use only. Once opened, use immediately. Any unused product must be discarded.
 Replace any unused, unopened ampoules from the strip back into the sachet to protect them from light. 
Use within 4 days after the opening of the sachet.

 


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredient as Quinsair™ are •Act-Levofloxacin tablets •Apo-Levofloxacin tablets •Jamp Levofloxacin tablets •Sandoz Levofloxacin tablets •

See other products used in the treatment of •bronchitis •pneumonia •respiratory tract infections •sinus infections •sinusitis •upper respiratory tract infections •tuberculosis •cystic fibrosis •

Adults 18 years of age and over: The recommended dosage is 240 mg administered by inhalation twice daily in alternating cycles of 28 days “on treatment” followed by 28 days “off treatment”.  


Levofloxacin is an antibiotic medication that kills various bacteria. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial DNA which results in bacterial cell death. Levofloxacin does not kill all types of bacteria, but only those that have a sensitivity to this antibiotic. Infections caused by bacteria that are not sensitive to levofloxacin will not show improvement after taking this medication.


Common side effects include:

  • Abnormal sense of taste 
  • Cough
  • Feeling tired
  • Feeling unwell
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Vaginal fungal infection
  • Joint pain
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting

Stop taking this medication and see a physician immediately if you experience:

  • Itching and feeling of heat – especially affecting scalp, mouth, throat, palms or soles
  • Severe wheezing, or noisy or difficult breathing
  • Severe hives/nettle rash
  • Swelling of the lips or throat
  • A fast heart beat
  • Faintness or collapse

 


Do not use this medication if you are allergic to levofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics such as moxifloxacin or ciprofloxacin.

Use with caution if you:

  • Have severe kidney problems.
  • Have irregularities in heart rhythm (e.g. QT prolongation) or heart problems such as low heart beat (bradycardia) or have had a heart attack.
  • Have diabetes as levofloxacin can increase or decrease blood glucose levels.
  • Have epilepsy or a history of seizures.
  • Have myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder). 
  • Have a glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. 

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:

  • Theophylline.

  •  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).

  •  Probenecid

  •  Cimetidine 

  •  Warfarin 

Use in pregnancy: Human data suggests low risk, however,  consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Levofloxacin does appear in breast milk however, effects on the infant are unknown.  Other medications in this family are considered appropriate to use if breastfeeding, however, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using.