Levaquin is an oral antibiotic that is used for the treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, infections of kidneys, bladder, prostate and skin. In some cases, it is also used for the treatment of people who have been exposed to the anthrax virus.
How it works
Levaquin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits the protein synthesis of the bacteria, thereby eliminating it.
Taking Levaquin & the right dosage
Levaquin may be taken with or without a meal.
Levaquin must be consumed for the complete prescribed time duration. You may notice that your symptoms may improve before the prescribed duration is over or the infection is cleared. But do not alter the dose or the schedule without consulting your doctor.
Storage
Store Levaquin in a cool and dark place at room temperature. Do not store it in a place where it can get exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Keep it away from children and pets.
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Before using Levaquin, you should consult a physician and discuss about your medical history. If you have allergies to cephalosporin antibiotics like Omnicef or Kelfex, then inform your doctor about it.
Levaquin may not be suitable for you if:
You have asthma, liver or kidney disease
You are allergic to other fluoroquinolones
You have a heart rhythm disorder
You are taking tizanidine.
You have a history of myasthenia gravis.
You have personal or family history of Long QT syndrome
You have a muscle or nerve disorder
You have trouble swallowing pills
You have liver disease
You have hypokalemia
You have diabetes
Other Information
You may have to undergo frequent blood tests including your kidney and liver functioning while using Levaquin.
It may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. So ensure that you use multiple birth control measures while using Levaquin.
It may cause tendons to tear.
You should not use antacids of vitamin and mineral supplements for at least 2 to 4 hours of using Cipro.
Cipro can cause you to be sunburned easily. So you must avoid venturing into the sun for too long and wear protective clothing as well as use sunscreen.
Drug Interactions
Levaquin may interact with some medications. So if you are using any prescription, non prescription, OTC medicines or dietary supplements, then inform your physician in advance before you use Levaquin.
Some of these are:
Antidepressants
Arrhythmia medications
Diuretics
Pregnancy Information
Levaquin is not known to be harmful to an unborn baby. But inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant during the time of treatment with Levaquin.
Levaquin may be passed on to the baby if you are breast feeding. Please speak to your doctor about the potential risks of breast feeding while using Levaquin.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Levaquin are:
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vaginal itching or discharge, headache, or swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue.
These side effects usually subside by themselves in sometime as the body gets used to Levaquin.
Some uncommon but potentially dangerous side effects are:
Diarrhea that is watery or bloody, fever, swollen gums, sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling, pale or yellowed skin, yellowing of the eyes, -numbness, tingling, burning pain, or being more sensitive to temperature dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin, or severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
You should see a doctor immediately if one of these side effects occur.
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