Levaquin – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Levaquin is an  antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body, it is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, breasts, kidneys, bladder or prostate. Levaquin is also used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis or pneumonia and to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible. Levaquin should only be used for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

Important Information About Levaquin:

Levaquin can cause swelling or rupture of a tendon, especially if you are over 60 years old, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.

Stop taking Levaquin and call your doctor right away if you have sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical attention or instructions.

You may not be able to use Levaquin  if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

Precautions Before Taking This Medicine:

You should not use Levaquin if you are allergic to levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin and others). To make sure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you’ve ever had:

• tendon problems, bone problems, arthritis or other joint problems (especially in children);
• a slow heartbeat or another heart rhythm disorder (especially if you take medication to treat it);
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
• liver or kidney disease;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• a nervous disorder;
• low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia);
• if you use an anticoagulant (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and have “INR” or prothrombin time tests.

Levaquin can cause swelling or rupture of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking Levaquin . Tendon problems may be more likely to occur if you are over age 60, are taking steroid medication, or have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Tendon and joint problems may be more likely in a child who takes levofloxacin.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Levofloxacin can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How to take Levaquin?

Take Levaquin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Levaquin with water at the same time each day. Drink extra fluids to keep your kidneys working properly while taking this medicine. You can take the tablets with or without food.

Take the oral solution (liquid) on an empty stomach , at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Measure the liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist.

Use this medication for the entire prescribed period of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses can also increase the risk of new antibiotic-resistant infections . Levaquin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share this medicine with anyone else (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms as you. This medication can cause you to have a false positive drug screening test.

If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell laboratory staff that you are taking Levaquin . Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What to Avoid When Taking Levaquin?

Levaquin can impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, which could be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Levofloxacin can cause burns more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Levaquin side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Levaquin (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a serious skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, redness or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Levofloxacin can cause tendon swelling or rupture (rupture). Levofloxacin can also have serious effects on the nerves and cause permanent nerve damage. Stop using this medication and call your doctor right away if you have:

signs of tendon rupture – sudden pain, swelling , bruising, tenderness, stiffness, problems with movement or a popping sound in any of the joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions);

Nervous symptoms – numbness, tingling, burning pain, or being more sensitive to temperature, light touch, or a sense of body position.

Stop Taking Levaquin and Call Your Doctor Immediately if You Have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fast or racing heartbeat, chest tremors, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (as if you were going to pass out);
• the first sign of any rash, no matter how mild;
• confusion, hallucinations, nightmares, paranoia, depression , thoughts about hurting yourself;
• muscle weakness, breathing problems;
• sudden weakness or malaise, fever, chills, sore throat , swollen glands, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding;
• convulsion (convulsions);
• increased pressure inside the skull – severe headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind the eyes;
• liver problems – upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Levaquin may include:

• nausea,
• In addition, constipation
• diarrhea;
• Also, dizziness; or headache .

What Other Drugs Does Levaquin Affect?

Some medications can make levofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your dose of levofloxacin 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking the other medicine.

• Also, antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids) or the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);
• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets;
• Also, vitamin or mineral supplements that contain aluminum, iron , magnesium or zinc .

Other information about Levaquin:

• Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use Levaquin only for the indication
• prescribed.
• Also, always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.