Levaquin

 Category: Antibiotics

Generic name: Levofloxacin

Levaquin tablets

What is Levaquin?

Levaquin belongs to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones that are used to fight bacterial infections. The active ingredient in Levaquin is levofloxacin which is formulated as oral tablets and an oral solution.

Drug Uses

Levaquin is available by prescription only. Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of the bladder, skin, sinuses, kidneys, or prostate, as well as bronchitis and pneumonia. It is also used to treat anthrax after inhalation. Doctors may prescribe Levaquin for a number of other medical conditions.

Levaquin does not treat the common cold.

Dosage

Levaquin should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Levaquin does not have to be taken with food.

The oral solution should be taken on an empty stomach, one or two hours before meals.

After a dose of Levaquin, wait for two hours before taking any of the following: antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum, ulcer medications, didanosine, or vitamin and mineral supplements that contain zinc or iron.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as you remember, as long as it does not clash with the next scheduled dose. In this case, rather skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

Precautions

Do not take Levaquin if you are allergic to any ingredient in this drug.

The full course of Levaquin, as prescribed, should be taken. Do not stop taking Levaquin even if there is a marked improvement in your condition.

Levaquin can cause sensitivity to sunlight. If you go outdoors wear protective clothing and apply a sunscreen with a high SP factor.

Ensure that your doctor has a full knowledge of your medical history, including any other medications you are using. These include vitamin supplements, herbal medicines and over-the-counter remedies. Levaquin can react badly with certain medications.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not yet known if Levaquin can harm an unborn fetus. Levaquin is passed into breast milk so if you are breast-feeding discuss the risks of using Levaquin with a doctor.

Side-effects

Call for emergency medical assistance if any of the following allergic symptoms occur: difficulty in breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat.

Contact a doctor immediately if any of the following serious side-effects occur: fainting, dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeat, joint pains or swelling, watery or bloody diarrhea, hallucinations, confusion, change in behavior, depression, convulsions, pale or jaundiced skin, dark urine, weakness, fever, decrease in urination, easy bleeding or bruising, sore throat, headache (with blistering, peeling or rash), and numbness, burning, or tingling in the feet and hands.

Less serious side-effects include diarrhea, itchiness, nausea, constipation, restlessness, anxiety, depression, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nightmares, or vaginal discharge or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If any other uncomfortable symptoms occur and persist, contact your doctor.

Overdose

If overdose with Levaquin is suspected, get emergency assistance immediately. Symptoms of overdose include drooping eyelids, loss of co-ordination, weakness, difficulty in breathing, tremors, sweating, loss of balance, or convulsions.

Storage

Levaquin should be kept in a cool, dry place away from sun and moisture.