Levofloxacin is used to help remedy many different bacterial infections. This medication is associated with a class of drugs referred to as quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only microbe infections. It will not work with viral infections (like common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed could cause it not to help future infections.
Read the Medication Guide provided by the pharmacist before you begin taking levofloxacin and every time you have a refill. If you might have any questions, ask your physician or pharmacist.
Take prescription drugs by mouth as directed by your physician, usually once daily with or without food. Drink lots of fluids while taking prescription drugs unless otherwise directed by your medical professional.
Take medicines no less than 2 hours before or couple of hours after taking other goods that might make it work less well. Examples include quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals (including iron, zinc), and items that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (such as antacids, didanosine solution, calcium-enriched juice), and the like. Ask your friendly phamacist about all the products you are taking.
The dosage and length of treatment provide your medical condition and a reaction to treatment. In children, the dosage is additionally determined by weight.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take prescription drugs simultaneously daily.
Continue to adopt this medication before the full prescribed amount is completed, regardless of whether symptoms disappear soon after days. Stopping the medication prematurily . may result in coming back with the infection.
Tell your doctor in case your condition lasts or gets worse.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or sleep problems may occur. If all of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your physician has prescribed prescription drugs as they or she's judged that this benefit to you is higher than the risk of side effects. Many people using medicines don't have serious side effects.
Tell your medical professional without delay when you have any serious side effects, including: unusual bruising/bleeding, warning signs of kidney problems (such as alteration of the amount of urine), warning signs of liver problems (for example nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, decrease of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
Get medical help without delay for those who have any serious unwanted effects, including: chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a form of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your medical professional without delay in the event you develop: diarrhea that does not stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus with your stool.
Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications when you have some of these symptoms since these products might make them worse.
Use of prescription drugs for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor in the event you notice white patches within your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or any other new symptoms.
A very serious hypersensitivity for this drug is rare. However, get medical help immediately if you notice any signs of a serious allergic attack, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete set of possible unwanted effects. If you notice other effects unlisted above, contact your medical professional or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your medical professional for health advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call a medical expert for health advice about side effects. You may report unwanted side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking levofloxacin, tell your medical professional or pharmacist in the event you are allergic into it; in order to other quinolone antibiotics (including ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin); or in case you have every other allergies. This product might have inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or any other problems. Talk to your friendly phamacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your physician or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, joint/tendon problems (like tendonitis, bursitis), kidney problems, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), a particular muscle condition (myasthenia gravis), nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy), seizure disorder.
Levofloxacin may result in a condition that affects one's heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (like severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain health conditions or consider other drugs that could cause QT prolongation. Before using levofloxacin, tell your physician or pharmacist of each of the drugs you're taking and when you have any in the following conditions: certain cardiovascular disease (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation within the EKG), genealogy and family history of certain heart disease (QT prolongation inside EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low degrees of potassium or magnesium within the blood could also increase your chance of QT prolongation. This risk may increase in the event you use certain drugs (for example diuretics/"water pills") or in case you have conditions for example severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your medical professional about using levofloxacin safely.
Levofloxacin may rarely cause serious changes in blood glucose levels, especially for those who have diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed and share the outcomes with your physician. Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar levels like increased thirst/urination. Also watch for signs and symptoms of low blood sugar like sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to hold glucose tablets or gel to help remedy low blood glucose levels. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly increase your blood glucose by consuming a fast source of sugar for example table sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking juice or non-diet soda. Tell your medical professional straight away concerning the reaction as well as the use of the product. To help prevent low blood glucose, eat meals on a regular schedule, with out not skip meals. Your doctor should switch one to another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications if any reaction occurs.
This drug will make you dizzy or lightheaded. Alcohol or marijuana could make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do just about anything that requires alertness before you are able to do it safely. Limit alcohol based drinks. Talk to your medical professional should you are using marijuana.
This medication will make you more understanding of sunshine. Limit your time inside sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your medical professional straight away in the event you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Levofloxacin could cause live bacterial vaccines (including typhoid vaccine) not to work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using the medicines unless a medical expert tells one to.
Before having surgery, tell a medical expert or dentist about each of the products you have (including prescription medications, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children could be at the upper chances for joint/tendon problems while by using this drug. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with all the doctor.
Older adults might be at greater risk for tendon problems, liver problems, and QT prolongation (see above) while by using this drug. The risk for tendon problems is even higher if they're also taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone).
During pregnancy, prescription drugs must be used only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical professional.
This drug passes into breast milk in control but isn't likely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your medical professional before breast-feeding.
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