Levaquin
Name of the Drug
Levaquin (Levofloxacin)
Uses of the Drug
Levaquin helps to treat infections lead by some bacteria. It might even slow or prevent anthrax after the exposure.
How to Take
Levaquin should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendations. The label of the medicine should be checked for the right instruction on dosing. Levaquin comes along with an additional patient leaflet.
Drink a lot of fluids while taking Levaquin.
Levaquin is provided in the form of injection at the doctor’s clinic, hospital or office. You should know the right method of using this drug from the doctor.
Levaquin should not be used if it is containing particles or is discolored or cloudy. Do not use the drug in case it has damaged or broken vial.
The syringes and needles should not be reused. The method of disposing the materials should be known with care. The local rules of disposal can be followed.
Try to take the medicine at same timing everyday so that you do not forget taking it.
To heal the infection completely, make sure to complete the course of Levaquin.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Levaquin is the quinolone antibiotic. It acts by destroying sensitive bacteria.
Missed Dose
If you ever miss a dosage of Cipro, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
A doctor usually handles and stores Levofloxacin. If you use this drug at home, follow the instructions of the doctor. Keep it away from light, heat and moisture. Don’t store it in bathroom. The medicine should be kept away from pets and children.
Warnings Precautions
Levaquin should NOT be taken if:
- you are prone to allergies to a single ingredient present in quinolone quinolone like ciprofloxacin
- you are having irregular heartbeat (long QT syndrome, QT prolongation) or low levels of blood potassium
- you take cisapride or some other antiarrhythmics (eg, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine,)
You should get in touch with the doctor very soon if you notice any of the above-mentioned problems.
Some medicines might have interaction with Levaquin. Inform your doctor if take some other medicines as mentioned below:
- if you have conceived, or planning to get pregnant, or breast-feeding
- if you take any nonprescription or prescription medicine, dietary supplement, or herbal preparation
- if you are allergic to foods, medicines, or some other substances
- if you are having or any other family members have fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat, heart attack, chest pain; or angina
- if you are having hardened or narrowed blood vessels in brain, nervous system problems, increased pressure inside brain, or a record of seizures (eg, epilepsy)
- if you are having a record of some heart problems (eg, enlarged heart, heart failure), liver problems, diabetes, kidney problems, Alzheimer disease, or tendon problems (eg, inflammation)
- if you are having sunburn easily or exposed to the sun for longer duration
Some MEDICINES MIGHT HAVE INTERACTION with Levaquin. Inform your doctor if take some other medicines as mentioned below:
- Antiarrhythmics (eg, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol), astemizole, cisapride, arsenic, haloperidol, dofetilide, droperidol, macrolides (eg, erythromycin), imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), paliperidone, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), methadone, serotonin receptor antagonists (eg, dolasetron), pimozide, ranolazine, terfenadine, ziprasidone, or telithromycin because risk of some severe heart problems, like irregular heartbeat, might be increased
- oral diabetes or Insulin medicines (eg, glyburide) because risk of low or high blood sugar might be increased
- Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) since risk of the tendon problems might be increased
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) since risk of problems related to bleeding might be increased
- SNRIs (Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) (eg, duloxetine) as the possibility of the side effects might be increased
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (eg, ibuprofen) or theophylline as the possibility of severe side effects, like seizures, might be increased
Common Side Effects
Check whether you have any of the ???common’ side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* Dizziness; gas; diarrhea; lightheadedness; stomach pain; nausea
Check whether you have any of the serious side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* Serious allergic reactions (hives; rash; itching; tightness in chest; difficulty in breathing; swelling of face, lips, mouth, or tongue); chest pain; bloody stools; painful or decreased urination; confusion; irregular or fast heartbeat; fainting; sore throat, fever, chills, or hallucinations; hoarseness; unusual cough; mood or mental changes (e.g., anxiety, depression, paranoia); muscle or joint weakness or pain; worsening or new nightmares, trouble sleeping; restlessness, swollen, red, peeling, or blistered skin; severe diarrhea; seizures; lightheadedness, persistent or severe dizziness, weakness or tiredness; persistent or severe stomach cramps/ pain; shortness of breath; severe sunburn; suicidal actions or thoughts; symptoms of low or high blood sugar (e.g., increased hunger, thirst, or urination; flushing; fast breathing; dizziness; increased sweating; fainting; vision changes); symptoms of the nerve problems (e.g., burning, tingling, unusual pain, or numbness; changes in heat or perception or cold; decreased touch sensation); symptoms of certain liver problems (e.g., yellowing of eyes or skin, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite); unusual bleeding or bruising; tremors; irritation, vaginal discharge, odor; or wheezing.
More Information
You should consult your pharmacist in case of any query. This medicine should be exclusively used by only the patient. Do not share Levaquin with some other people. In case the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.