Levofloxacin Medical Information

• Levofloxacin uses
• Levofloxacin dosage
• Levofloxacin side effects
• Warnings & precautions
• Drug interactions
• Missed dose
• Overdose

Common Brand Names: Levaquin

Generic Name: Levofloxacin

The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

See also:

• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• How to buy Levaquin no prescription

Common Medical Uses:
Levofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Levofloxacin also is frequently used to treat urinary infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics, as well as prostatitis. This medicatoin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria. Levofloxacin also can be used to treat various obstetric infections, including mastitis.

How to Use Levofloxacin:
Take Levofloxacin exactly as prescribed. Levofloxacin can be taken with or without food. Drink plenty of clear fluids (e.g. water) during treatment. Drinking extra water will help to prevent some unwanted effects of levofloxacin. Avoid antacids containing aluminum or magnesium. Avoid dairy products, mineral supplements (e.g. iron, zinc), bismuth subsalicylate and sucralfate for 6 to 8 hours before or 2 hours after taking Levofloxacin. Take the medication at approximately the same time each day (every 24 hours) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days.

Levofloxacin Possible Side Effects:
Generally, levofloxacin is well tolerated and many people will experience no or minor unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• stomach pain
• headache
• restlessness
• dizziness or drowsiness
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, stop taking Levofloxacin and call your doctor as soon as possible:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face)
• seizures
• confusion or hallucinations
• watery and severe diarrhea
• irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or fainting
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• severe abdominal pain or discomfort
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• evere fatigue
• muscle or joint pain

Levofloxacin Warnings & Precautions:

• Don't take if: You are allergic to fluoroquinolones or quinolone derivatives.
• Before taking Levofloxacin, tell your doctor or/and pharmacist:
• if you have any disorder of the central nervous system such as epilepsy or stroke
• if you have kidney disease
• if you have sugar diabetes
• if you have heart disease
• if you have stomach problems (especially colitis)
• Skin & sunlight: Levofloxacin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
• Driving, piloting or hazardous work: Levofloxacin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.
• Discontinuing: Don't discontinue without consulting doctor or completing prescribed dosage.
• Pregnancy: Risk category C. Decide with your doctor if drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.
• Breast feeding: Drug passesinto milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medication. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this drug.

Drug Interactions:
The following drugs and foods may interact with Levofloxacin:

• Aminophylline (increased aminophylline effect)
• Antacids (decreased Levofloxacin effect)
• Antidiabetic agents (adverse diabetic reactions)
• Nonsteroidal Ant-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) (increased risk of central nervous system problems)
• Caffeine (increased risk of central nervous system problems)
• Calcium supplements (decreased Levofloxacine effect)
• Cyclosporine (increased cyclosporine effect)
• Didanosine (decreased Levofloxacin effect)
• Digoxin (increased digoxin effect)
• Iron supplements (decreased Levofloxacin effect)
• Oxtriphylline (increased risk of oxtriphylline toxicity)
• Phenytoin (decreased phenytoin effect)
• Probenecid (increased Levofloxacin effect)
• QT interval prolongation causing drugs (heart rhythm problems)
• Sucralfate (decreased Levofloxacin effect)
• Theophylline (increased risk of theophylline toxicity)
• Warfarin (increased warfarin effect)
• Zinc (decreased Levofloxacin effect)

Tell your health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

Possible interactions with other substances:

• Alcohol - increased possibility of central nervous system side effects
• Caffeine - increased effect of caffeine
• Dairy foods - decreased effect of Levofloxacin
• Tobacco - increased possibility of central nervous system side effects

Missed Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms: seizures, confusion and hallucinations, headache, abdominal pain.