Levaquin

The active ingredient in Levaquin is levofloxacin. It belongs to a group of medications called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by blocking certain enzymes (proteins) that bacteria use to grow. This effectively kills the bacteria. Levaquin, however, does not treat colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Levaquin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Levaquin:

• Take as directed by your physician.
• Take this medication orally with or without food.
• This medication could make you sunburn more easily as it creates photosensitivity. Avoid sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds, and use plenty of sunscreen outdoors.
• Take your Levaquin dose 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take other medications, including:
• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum or the ulcer medicine sucralfate.
• Didanosine powder or chewable tablets.
• Supplements that contain aluminum, iron, magnesium, or zinc.

The most common side effects of Levaquin include:

• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Sensitivity to light (photosensitivity).
• Trouble sleeping.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Levaquin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Peripheral neuropathy - pain, tingling, muscle weakness, or numbness in the body.
• Seizures.
• Heart rhythm changes - irregular heartbeat, feeling lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing.
• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea which may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.
• Liver problems - upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, unusual fatigue.
• Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling, blistering.
• Low blood sugar.
• Mood, behavior changes, or central nervous system (CNS) effects - anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, worsening mood, thoughts of suicide.
• Increased pressure inside the skull - severe headaches, vision problems.
• Signs of tendon rupture - sudden pain, swelling, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints, tendons, or muscles.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Levaquin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Levaquin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).
• Heart disease (QT prolongation).
• Tendon problems (rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis).
• Bone problems.
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Muscle or nerve disorder (myasthenia gravis).
• Mental illness.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease (hepatitis).
• Seizures or epilepsy.
• Severe allergic reaction to levofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin.
• Pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.

Boxed Warning

• Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, which is further raised in older patients (over 60 years of age) taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart, or lung transplants.
• Can worsen muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis.

• Hypersensitivity reactions to Levaquin or other quinolones.
• Levaquin may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar/glucose) in some patients.

Peak levels are reached within one to two hours but it may take up to three days before symptoms of the infection begin to resolve.

When Levaquin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Theophylline.
• Diuretic or "water pill".
• Heart rhythm medications that prolong the QT interval.
• Steroid medication (prednisone).
• Sucralfate.
• Blood thinner medications (warfarin).
• Antacids.
• Didanosine buffered tablets or powder.
• Multivitamins.
• Medications for diabetes (glyburide, insulin).
• Medications for depression or mental illness.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac).
• Birth control pills.

Levaquin comes in multiple dosage forms including:

• Tablets - 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg.
• Oral Solution - 25 mg/mL.
• Injection: single-use vials for dilution - 500 mg in 20 mL, 750 mg in 30 mL.
• Injection: premix single-use flexible containers - 250 mg in 50 mL, 500 mg in 100 mL, 750 mg in 150 mL.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat and keep it out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Levaquin.

There are lower-cost generics available for the brand name Levaquin.

Do not stop or adjust your use of this medication without first consulting with your doctor. Freely discuss other treatment options with your doctor.

It is not known whether Levaquin will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Levaquin. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.