Levaquin

Uses:
This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Levofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to Take:
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any medications containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medications bind with levofloxacin preventing its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:
Nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling (tendonitis, tendon rupture), sunburn (sun sensitivity). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, easy bruising/bleeding, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., suicidal thought or severe depression), numbness/tingling, persistent nausea/vomiting, persistent sore throat or fever, seizures, unusual fatigue, yellowing eyes and skin. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (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. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool, persistent diarrhea. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions:
Before taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, or moxifloxacin; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain or nervous system disorders (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumors, increased intracranial pressure), heart problems (e.g., cardiomyopathy, slow heart rate, torsades de pointes, QTc prolongation), history of seizures, kidney disease, muscle/joint/tendon problems, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., low potassium). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. If you have diabetes and are taking insulin or oral anti-diabetic drugs (e.g., glyburide), you may experience changes in blood glucose levels due to infection or use of levofloxacin. Monitor your blood glucose frequently while using this medication and notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, hunger, sweating and fast pulse. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects (e.g., tendon problems, especially if they are also taking corticosteroids drugs such as prednisone). Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Contact your doctor for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information for similar drugs, levofloxacin may pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions:
See also How to Use section. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide, insulin), live vaccines. Report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with levofloxacin, such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline. Other drugs besides levofloxacin which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes:
Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function, blood count, cultures) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage:
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.