Levaquin
Levofloxacin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Levaquin
Levaquin belongs to quinolone group of antibiotics. It acts by killing the sensitive bacteria and helps in treating infection by sensitive bacteria.
Therapeutic Uses of Levaquin
Levaquin is used in the treatment of infection caused by bacteria which are sensitive to Levaquin. It can also be used in the prevention or slowing anthrax after exposure to it.
Direction of use of Levaquin
Take Levaquin as per direction of your doctor. You should check the label of the medicine for exact dosing instructions. An extra patient information leaflet is also available with Levaquin and you should read it. Ask your doctor if you have any question.
Taking extra liquid/water is recommended during treatment with Levaquin. It is generally given as injection in your doctor’s clinic or hospital. If you are taking Levaquin at home you should learn how to take it from your pharmacist or other health care worker. Learn how to take Levaquin properly and follow the instruction accordingly. Ask your health care provider if you have any question.
Do not use Levaquin if the solution is not clear, or contain any particles or if the vial is cracked or damaged or broken. Do not reuse any materials (the medicine, syringes and needles). Follow the local rules for disposal of biomedical wastes and ask your health care provider if you have any question. Keep Levaquin, syringes and needles out of reach of children and pets.
Levaquin works best if taken at the same time every day. You should keep taking Levaquin for full course even if you feel better after taking it for few days.
If You Miss a Dose of Levaquin
You should not miss any dose of Levaquin. But if you miss a dose of Levaquin, you should take it as soon as possible or as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose for Levaquin, you should skip the missed dose and keep taking Levaquin as usual. Never take 2 doses of Levaquin at a time to make up the missed dose.
How to Store Levaquin
If you are taking Levaquin at home you should store it in a cool, dry and dark place or as directed by your doctor or other health care provider like pharmacist. Usually it is stored by the health care provider. Keep Levaquin out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (at about 77 degree Fahrenheit).
More Information About Levaquin
If there is no improvement of your symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Levaquin should be used by the person for whom it is prescribed and should never be shared with anyone. If you have any question about Levaquin, you should consult your doctor or other health care provider to clarify your question.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Levaquin
Do not take Levaquin if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Levaquin or any other fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin etc.
- If you are using cisapride or other anti arrhythmic drugs like amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol (a beta blocker).
- If you have arrhythmia or irregular heart beat (QT prolongation, long QT syndrome) or if your blood potassium level is low.
Some medical conditions may interact with Levaquin. You should inform your doctor immediately if you have any medical problem that may interact with Levaquin. The following medical conditions may interact with Levaquin and you should inform if you have any of them:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to any food, medicine other than Levaquin, or any other substance.
- If you are taking any medicine either prescription medicine or non prescription medicine (over the counter medicines) or any herbal preparation or any diet supplement.
- If you or any family member have history of fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat like QT prolongation; chest pain; angina; heart attack etc.
- If you are suffering from increased pressure in brain, any narrow blood vessel in brain, any nervous system problem or any history of seizures like epilepsy.
- If you have sensitivity to sun and you get easily sun burned and you will be exposed to sun for a prolonged period of time.
- If you have any history of any heart trouble (heart failure, enlargement of heart), liver problem, kidney problem, musculoskeletal problem, diabetes mellitus or Alzheimer disease.
Some medicines may cause interaction with Levaquin. You should inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any of the medicines listed below:
- If you are taking any medicine for diabetes. Levaquin may cause change (high or low blood sugar) in blood sugar level.
- If you are taking corticosteroids like prednisone along with Levaquin, it may increase tendon problems.
- Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine, because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Levaquin.
- Risk of bleeding may be more if you are using anticoagulants like warfarin along with Levaquin.
- If you are using NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, diclofenac etc. or theophylline because the risk of serious side effects, like seizures, may be increased if Levaquin is used concurrently.
- Antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol); imidazoles like ketoconazole; macrolides antibiotics like erythromycin; serotonin receptor antagonists like dolasetron; phenothiazines like chlorpromazine; arsenic, astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, droperidol, haloperidol; methadone, paliperidone; pimozide, ranolazine; telithromycin, terfenadine, ziprasidone etc. All the above medicines may increase the risk of serious side effects like serious heart problems, including irregular heartbeat etc.
Possible Adverse Effects of Levaquin
- As like any other medicine Levaquin has some side effects. Some of the side effects are common and some are not common and rare. If the most common side effects become bothersome or persists for longer time than usual, you should consult your doctor or other health care provider. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, dizziness, light headedness, gas in the stomach etc.
- Get immediate medical attention if you get any serious side effects of Levaquin. The serious side effects are severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); mental or mood changes like depression, anxiety, paranoia; symptoms of high or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) like increased thirst, hunger, or urination; fast breathing, flushing, dizziness, fainting, increased sweating and vision change; symptoms of liver disease like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools and loss of appetite; symptoms of nerve disease like unusual pain, burning, tingling, numbness, changes in perception or heat or cold, decreased sensation of touch; chest pain, decreased urination, painful urination, fever, chills, sore throat, unusual cough, confusion, fainting, hallucinations, nightmares, suicidal thoughts or actions; tremors, restlessness, insomnia, severe diarrhea, severe and persistent dizziness; persistent vomiting; severe and/or persistent stomach pain; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; joint pain, muscle pain or weakness; hoarseness of voice, tiredness, severe sunburn; unusual bruising or bleeding; vaginal discharge, irritation, or odor; fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) etc.