Levofloxacin Oral : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

Levofloxacin

COMMON BRAND(S): Levaquin

GENERIC NAME(S): Levofloxacin

Uses

Levofloxacin is used to treat various types of bacterial infections. This drug comes under a class of quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infection (such as common cold, flu). It is not necessary to use any antibiotic when it does not work for future transition.

How to use Levofloxacin

Before starting to take Levofloxacin, read the medication guide given by your pharmacist and every time you receive a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medicine guided by your doctor, usually once daily or without food. While taking this medicine drink plenty of fluids until it is directed by your doctor.

Take Levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or after 2 hours of taking other products which may work less. Examples include quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins / minerals (including iron, zinc), and products that include magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (e.g antacid, didanosine solution, calcium-rich juice). Ask your pharmacist about all the products you take.

The dose and length of treatment is based on the reaction of your medical condition and treatment. In children, dosage is also based on weight.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic evenly to the distance. To help you remember, eat this medicine at the same time every day.

Continue to take this medication until the full amount of the quantity ends, even after the symptoms disappear after a few days. The infection can come back very quickly by closing the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition is bad or bad.

Side Effects

See also the warning section.

Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lighthouse, or sleeping may be difficult. If any of these effects gets worse or worse, then tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has decided that the benefit is higher than the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual injury / bleeding, signs of kidney problems (such as changes in urine volume), symptoms of liver problems (like nausea / vomiting) that do not stop There is no appetite, pain in the stomach / stomach, yellowing of eyes / black skin.

If you have a very serious side effect, get medical help, including: chest pain, severe dizziness, unconsciousness, fast / irregular heartbeat.

Due to the type of resistant bacteria, this drug can rarely cause the intestinal severity (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea). This condition can occur during the treatment or during the months of the closure of the treatment months. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: diarrhea that does not stop stomach pain, stomachache / spasms, blood / mucus.

If you have any of these symptoms, do not use diarrhea or opioid drugs because these products can make them worse.

Using this drug for prolonged or frequent periods can lead to oral thrush or yeast infection. If you see white spots, changes in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms in your mouth, contact your doctor.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, if you see symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, get medical help immediately, including: granular, itching / swelling (especially the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you do not list other effects above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In America – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can notify the FDA of side effects on 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report the health effects of Canada on 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist whether you are allergic to it; Or other quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin,  moxifloxacin, ofloxacin); Or if you have any other allergens. This product can have passive elements, which can cause allergic or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: Problems with diabetes, joint / tendon (such as tendonitis,  bursitis), kidney problems, mental / mood disorders (such as depression) , A fixed muscle position (myasthenia gravis), nerve related problems (like peripheral neuropathy), seizure disorder.

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, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: 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 can rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes. Regularly check your blood glucose as directed and share the result with your doctor. For symptoms of high blood glucose, such as increased thirst / urination. See also for symptoms of low blood sugar such as sudden sweating, shivering, high pulsation, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or twisting of hands and feet. It is a good habit to take glucose tablets or gels to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have these reliable forms of glucose, then increase your blood sugar rapidly by adding a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, or candy, or fruit juices or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction and use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, take a meal at regular times, and do not leave food. If there is a reaction, your doctor may need to change you to another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications.

With this medication, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Alcohol or marijuana can make you feel more dizzy. Unless you can safely do it, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires caution. Limit alcoholic beverages. If you are using marijuana, talk to your doctor.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep your time limited in the sun. Avoid Tanning Booths and Sunlamps. Use sunscreen on the outside and wear protective clothing. Tell your doctor immediately if you have sunburned or have blisters / redness on the skin.

Levofloxacin can not work due to live bacterial vaccines (like typhoid vaccine). Do not vaccinate / vaccinate while using this drug unless your doctor tells you.

Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products).

When using this drug, children may have more risk for joint / tendon problems. Discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor.

While using this drug, older adults may have more risk for tendon problems, liver problems and QT prolongation (see above). The risk for tendon problems is even greater if they are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone).

During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when it is clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Levofloxacin passes through breast milk in small quantities, but there is no possibility of harming a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

See also the usage section.

Drug interactions can change how your medicines 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 prescriptions / non-prescription medicines and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change any drug supplements without the approval of your doctor.

A product that can interact with this drug: Strontium.

Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, or rings, some antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can reduce their effectiveness. This can lead to pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Levofloxacin is very similar to the ofloxacin. Do not use ofloxacin drugs while using levofloxacin.

This drug can interfere with some laboratory tests (such as urination probe for urination), possibly due to incorrect test results. Make sure lab workers and all your doctors know that you use this medicine.

Over Dose

If someone is treated and has serious symptoms like having trouble going out or breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call the Poison Control Center immediately. US residents can call their local venom control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadians can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This drug is prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for any other infection until your doctor tells you.

Lab tests (such as kidney function, complete blood count, blood sugar, culture) can be done before you start taking this medicine and when you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, then as soon as you remember, take it. If it is near the next dose time, then leave the thesis dose. Take your next dose at regular times. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Until instructed not to do so, do not flush the medicines in the toilet and do not drain in the drain. When this period expires or does not need it, then properly release this product. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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