Levaquin

Brand name:Levaquin
Pronounced: LEAV-ah-kwin
Generic name:Levofloxacin

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Why is Levaquin prescribed?

Levaquin cures a variety of bacterial infections, including several types of sinus infection and pneumonia. It is also prescribed for flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, acute kidney infections, certain urinary infections, and mild to moderate skin infections. Levofloxacin is a member of the quinolone family of antibiotics.

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Most important fact about Levaquin

Levaquin has been known to cause dangerous allergic reactions as soon as you take the first dose. Stop taking Levofloxacin and call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following warning signs:

- Skin rash, hives, or any other skin reaction
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

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How should you take Levaquin?

Take your complete prescription exactly as directed, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking Levaquin too soon, the infection may come back.

You may take Levofloxacin at mealtimes or in-between, but you should avoid taking it within 2 hours of the following:

- Aluminum or magnesium antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Gaviscon
- Iron supplements such as Ferro-Sequels or Feosol
- Any multivitamin preparation containing zinc
- Videx chewable tablets or pediatric powder
- The ulcer medication Carafate

Be sure to drink plenty of fluid while taking Levaquin.

—If you miss a dose…

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

—Storage instructions…

Store at room temperature. Keep container tightly closed

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What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Levaquin.

Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, anxiety, bad taste, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, fungal infections, gas, general feeling of illness, headache, hives, indigestion, itching, lack of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sleeplessness and sleep disorders, sweating, swelling, tremors, vaginal discharge, vaginal inflammation, vomiting, yeast infection

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Why should Levaquin not be prescribed?

If any other quinolone antibiotic--such as Cipro, Floxin, Maxaquin, Noroxin, or Penetrex--has ever given you an allergic reaction, avoid Levaquin.

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Special warnings about Levaquin

In rare cases, Levofloxacin has caused convulsions and other nervous disorders. If you develop any warning signs of a nervous reaction--ranging from restlessness and tremors to depression and hallucinations--stop taking this medication and call your doctor.

Levaquin may cause dizziness or light-headedness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Hypersensitivity to quinolone antibiotics can, in rare instances, lead to severe illnesses ranging from blood disorders to liver or kidney failure. The first sign of a developing problem is often a rash; so you should stop taking Levaquin and check with your doctor when any type of skin disorder appears. Remember, too, that an immediate allergic reaction is also a possibility (see "Most important fact about this drug").

A case of diarrhea during Levofloxacin therapy could signal development of the potentially dangerous condition known as pseudomembranous colitis, an inflammation of the bowel. Call your doctor for treatment at the first sign of a problem.

Stop taking Levofloxacin, avoid exercise, and call your doctor if you develop pain, inflammation, or a rupture in a tendon. Quinolone antibiotics have been known to cause tendon rupture during and after therapy.

If you have a kidney condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Your dosage may need to be lowered.

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Possible food and drug interactions
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn can increase the risk of a nervous reaction to Levofloxacin. Also, check with your doctor before combining Levaquin with an oral diabetes drug such as Glucotrol, Micronase, or Orinase; changes in blood sugar levels could result.

If you are taking the asthma drug, theophylline, or the blood-thinning drug, Coumadin, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Other quinolone antibiotics have been known to interact with Levofloxacin.

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Special information
The effects of this drug during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Levaquin is likely to appear in breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. If Levofloxacin is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing until your treatment is finished.

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Recommended dosage

ADULTS

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Respiratory and skin infections

The usual dose is 500 milligrams once a day. Treatment of respiratory infections typically lasts 7 to 14 days; for skin infections, expect 7 to 10 days of treatment.

Kidney and urinary infections

The usual dose is 250 milligrams once a day. Treatment lasts 3 to 10 days.

CHILDREN

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Not for children under 18. Levaquin might damage developing bones and joints.

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Overdosage

Levaquin is not especially poisonous. However, an overdose could still be dangerous. If you suspect one, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Symptoms of Levofloxacin overdose may include:
Breathlessness, lack of movement, poor coordination, tremors, convulsions, collapse