LEVOFLOXACIN - ORAL

LEVOFLOXACIN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LEE-voe-FLOX-a-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levaquin

GENERIC NAME(S): levofloxacin

Uses

USES: Levofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.


How to use LEVOFLOXACIN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking levofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other products that may make it work less well. Examples include quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals (including iron, zinc), and products that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (such as antacids, didanosine solution, calcium-enriched juice), among others. Ask your pharmacist about all the products you take. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, joint/tendon problems (such as tendonitis, bursitis), kidney problems, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), a certain muscle condition (myasthenia gravis), nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy), seizure disorder. Levofloxacin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using levofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using levofloxacin safely. Levofloxacin may rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Also watch for symptoms of low blood sugar such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and no not skip meals. Your doctor may need to switch you to another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications if any reaction occurs. This drug may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Levofloxacin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children may be at greater risk for joint/tendon problems while using this drug. Discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor. Older adults may be at greater risk for tendon problems, liver problems, and QT prolongation (see above) while using this drug. The risk for tendon problems is even higher if they are also taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk in small amounts but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: strontium. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Levofloxacin is very similar to ofloxacin. Do not use medications containing ofloxacin while using levofloxacin. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine screening for opiates), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness.

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Faq for LEVOFLOXACIN - ORAL

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic medication that is taken by mouth to treat various bacterial infections.

Levofloxacin works by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of bacteria, thus helping to eliminate the infection.

Levofloxacin is commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, sinus infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain types of pneumonia.

Levofloxacin should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. It is typically taken once or twice a day with a full glass of water, with or without food. It is important to complete the full course of medication, even if you start feeling better.

Yes, levofloxacin may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, or trouble sleeping. Serious side effects, although rare, may include tendon rupture, allergic reactions, or changes in heart rhythm. Contact your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe side effects.

Levofloxacin should be used with caution in pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. It is generally not recommended for use during breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and may harm the nursing baby. Discuss with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits in your case.

Yes, levofloxacin may interact with certain medications such as antacids, warfarin, corticosteroids, or drugs that affect the heart rhythm. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking before starting levofloxacin.

Levofloxacin can start working within a few days of starting treatment. However, it is important to complete the full course of medication to fully eliminate the infection and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

No, levofloxacin is an antibiotic that is specifically designed to target and kill bacterial infections. It is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.


Warning

WARNING: Quinolone antibiotics (including levofloxacin) may cause serious and possibly permanent tendon damage (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture), nerve problems in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy), and nervous system problems. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in your arms/hands/legs/feet, changes in how you sense touch/pain/temperature/vibration/body position, severe/lasting headache, vision changes, shaking (tremors), seizures, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, depression, rare thoughts of suicide). Tendon damage may occur during or after treatment with this medication. Stop exercising, rest, and get medical help right away if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. Your risk for tendon problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. This medication may make a certain muscle condition (myasthenia gravis) worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening muscle weakness (such as drooping eyelids, unsteady walk) or trouble breathing. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medication.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.