Levaquin

Levaquin Drug Information

• Levaquin Overview

  Levofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Levaquin 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.

• Levaquin Warnings

  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.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 Levaquin. 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. Levaquin 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 Levaquin.

• How to Use Levaquin

  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 Levaquin by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Levaquin unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Take Levaquin 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 of Levaquin is also based on weight. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Levaquin at the same time every day. Continue to take Levaquin 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.

• Levaquin 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. Levaquin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Levaquin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,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, blood vessel problems (such as aneurysm or blockage of the aorta or other blood vessels, hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, certain genetic conditions (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome). 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,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 Levaquin. 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. Levaquin may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) 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 (cannabis). Levaquin 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 Levaquin 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 Levaquin. Discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor. Older adults may be at greater risk for tendon problems (especially if they are also taking corticosteroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone), QT prolongation, and a sudden tear/break in the main blood vessel (aorta). During pregnancy, Levaquin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Levaquin passes into breast milk in small amounts but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Levaquin Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Levaquin, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 8 hours of the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Levaquin 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.strontium. Levofloxacin is very similar to ofloxacin. Do not use medications containing ofloxacin while using levofloxacin. Levaquin 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 Levaquin.

• Levaquin Side Effects

  What are Levaquin side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Levaquin may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Levaquin as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Levaquin

  The side effects of Levaquin may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Levaquin. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Levaquin may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Levaquin, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Levaquin.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Levaquin, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Levaquin and the side effects associated with Levaquin are described in the following:

  Common Levaquin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • headache disorder
  • diarrhea

  Less Frequent Levaquin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • candidiasis
  • drowsy
  • dysgeusia
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • nervousness
  • dyspnea
  • dyspepsia

  Rare or Very Rare Levaquin Side Effects

  Severe

  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • hypoglycemic disorder
  • hemolytic anemia
  • pancytopenia
  • aplastic anemia
  • leukopenia
  • encephalopathy
  • peripheral neuropathy
  • hearing loss
  • torsades de pointes
  • prolonged QT interval
  • vasculitis
  • thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • acute hepatic failure
  • dissection of aorta
  • cholestatic hepatitis
  • pancreatitis
  • acute renal failure
  • phototoxicity
  • erythema multiforme
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • tendonitis
  • tendon rupture
  • rotator cuff tendon rupture
  • tendon rupture extensor of hand and wrist
  • tendon rupture flexor of hand and wrist
  • non-traumatic rupture of achilles tendon
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • hallucinations
  • seizure disorder
  • intracranial hypertension
  • skin rash
  • jaundice
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • serum sickness
  • neuromuscular blockade
  • interstitial nephritis
  • suicidal ideation
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • uveitis
  • severe diarrhea
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
  • multiple organ failure
  • hyperkalemia
  • hypertonia
  • phlebitis after infusion
  • hepatitis
  • idiopathic intracranial hypertension
  • neutropenic disorder

  Less Severe

  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • agranulocytosis
  • acute confusion
  • depression
  • toxic psychosis
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • agitation
  • visual changes
  • nightmares
  • tinnitus
  • vaginitis
  • erythema
  • pruritus of skin
  • arthralgias
  • myalgias
  • loss of sense of smell
  • tremor
  • flatulence
  • hyperglycemia
  • crystalluria
  • anemia
  • anorexia
  • gait abnormality
  • epistaxis
  • gastritis
  • gastroenteritis
  • glossitis
  • urticaria
  • vasodilation of blood vessels
  • paresthesia
  • dysesthesia
  • hypesthesia
  • general weakness
  • diplopia
  • scotomata
  • muscle weakness
  • arthritis
  • palpitations
  • tachycardia
  • fever
  • chest pain
  • vertigo
  • hyperkinesis
  • syncope
  • stomatitis
  • paranoid disorder
  • disturbance of attention
  • memory impairment
  • delirium
  • parosmia

• Levaquin Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Levaquin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.