What is Levaquin used for?
LEVOFLOXACIN is a quinolone antibiotic. It can kill bacteria or stop their growth. This medicine is used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the lungs, skin and urinary tract. It will not work on the colds, flu, or other viral infections.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Levaquin?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- cerebral disease
- irregular heartbeat
- kidney diseases
- seizure disorder
- an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Levaquin should be taken?
This medicine should be taken orally accompanied with a full glass of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. You shouldn’t stop the treatment course unless your physician specifically advised you to do so.
Consult with your pediatrician regarding the possibility of the use of this medicine by children. This medicine is not approved for use by children.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Levaquin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What are the possible interactions of Levaquin with the other medicine/food/etc?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
- arsenic trioxide
- chloroquine
- droperidol
- medicines for irregular heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol
- some medicines for depression or mental problems like phenothiazines, pimozide, and ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following:
- amoxapine
- cisapride
- dairy products
- didanosine (ddI) buffered tablets or powder
- haloperidol
- multivitamins
- retinoid products like tretinoin or isotretinoin
- risperidone
- some other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin
- sucralfate
- theophylline
- warfarin
This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Levaquin?
Let your doctor or health care professional know if there is no improvement to your symptoms or if they get worse. You should drink several glasses of water per day while also cutting down on caffeinated drinks. You must be cautious and should avoid getting dehydrated during the treatment course with this medicine.
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells.
This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.
If you suffering from diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar carefully. If there is an unusual reading of it, you should stop taking this medicine at once and refer to your doctor right away.
You shouldn’t treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Inform your doctor if you have diarrhea lasting for over 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
Avoid antacids, calcium, iron, and zinc products for 4 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.
Does Levaquin have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- changes in vision
- confusion, nightmares or hallucinations
- difficulty breathing
- irregular heartbeat, chest pains
- joint, muscle or tendon pain
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- seizures
- unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
- vaginal irritation, discharge
The side eddects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- headache
- stomach upset, nausea
- trouble sleeping
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Levaquin?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep it in a tightly closed container. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.