Levaquin Uses
Levaquin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic meant for treating bacterial infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, skin infections, or respiratory tract infections).
How to use Levaquin:
Take Levaquin medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Levaquin may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Consume Levaquin with a full glass of water. It is recommended that you drink several additional glasses of water each day. Take Levaquin 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any medicines containing magnesium or aluminumlike quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medicines bind with levofloxacin preventing its full absorption. Keep Levaquin at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, dust, and light. Do not store Levaquin in the bathroom. To get rid of your infection completely, do not stop taking Levaquin for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
Levaquin Missed Dose
Avoid missing any doses of Levaquin during the course of medication. However, if you miss a dosage of Levaquin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Precautions During Medication
Do not take Levaquin if you have/had a severe allergic reaction to Levaquin or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin). The reactions may include severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Levaquin or if a certain medicine is a fluoroquinolone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If Levaquin causes a skin rash, Hives, of difficulty breathing, check with your doctor before taking additional doses of this medication. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, get in touch with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using Levaquin. Levaquin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Using Levaquin alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about which medicines cause dizziness. If moderate to severe Diarrhea occurs during or after treatment with Levaquin, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. Levaquin may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Levaquin. Use sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Before you start consuming any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, during the treatment with Levaquin, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: If you plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Levaquin during pregnancy. Based on information, Levaquin may be excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Levaquin. If you have Diabetes, Levaquin may affect your blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Possible Levaquin Side Effects
Levaquin side effects are possible during the course of medication. Levaquin side effects may include nausea, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, vomiting, change in taste, headache, or dizziness. If these Levaquin side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor immediately. Check with your doctor immediately if you experience tendon, joint, or muscle pain or swelling, "sunburn" (sun sensitivity), vaginal discomfort, abdominal pain, or vision changes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience seizures, mental/mood changes, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, restlessness, confusion, change in amount of urine, or yellowing of eyes or skin. Use of Levaquin for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush, or a new yeast infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
