Drug Name

Levaquin (Levofloxacin)

Drug Uses

Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, as well as joints, caused by susceptible bacteria. Levofloxacin as well as is frequently used to treat urinary infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics, as well as prostatitis. Levofloxacin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas, caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, as well as shigella bacteria. Levofloxacin as well as can be used to treat various obstetric infections, including mastitis.

How Taken

Levofloxacin usually is given once daily. It is substantial to take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid, or mineral supplement with iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium since these minerals bind levofloxacin as well as halt its absorption.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Many ordinary infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow as well as multiply, infecting dissimilar parts of the body. Medicines that control as well as eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction as well as repair of their genetic bodily (DNA). It is in a class of antibiotics, called fluoroquinolones, a class that includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), trovafloxacin (Trovan), as well as lomefloxacin (Maxaquin). Levofloxacin was approved by the FDA in 1996.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, incase it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose as well as take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Storage

Levofloxacin should be stored below 86°F

Warnings/Precautions

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Levofloxacin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, as well as a very bad sunburn may result. Incase sun exposure is unavoidable, wear protective clothing as well as sunscreen. Consult your doctor incase you experience very bad burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun. Take caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Levofloxacin may cause dizziness. Incase you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Levofloxacin is not recommended for take in pregnant women since levofloxacin causes joint as well as bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species. Levofloxacin is not recommended for take in lactating women since levofloxacin causes joint as well as bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species. In fact, levofloxacin is not recommended in persons under the age of 18 years.

Likely Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects are nausea or vomiting (1 out of every 12 persons), diarrhea (1 out 20), headache (1 out 20), as well as constipation (1 out of 30). Less ordinary side effects include difficulty sleeping, dizziness, abdominal pain, rash, abdominal gas, as well as itching.

More Information

Incase you experience any of the following humorless side effects, halt using levofloxacin as well as seek emergency health examination attention or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); seizures; confusion or hallucinations; irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or fainting; liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, very bad fatigue); or muscle or joint pain.If you experience any of the following less humorless side effects, continue using levofloxacin as well as talk to your doctor:nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; headache or lightheadedness; drowsiness; insomnia; ringing in the ears; or increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.Side effects other than those listed here may as well as occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.