What is Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin, sold among others under the brand name Levaquin, is an antibiotic drug. It is used to treat a variety of infections with bacteria, including acute sinusitis, pneumonia, H. Pylori, infections of the urinary tract, chronic prostatitis, and certain gastroenteritis forms.
Levofloxacin Uses
- Levofloxacin is used to treat a number of infections caused by bacteria. This drug belongs to a classifications of medicines known as antibiotics with quinolones.
- Only bacterial infections are treated by this antibiotic. For viral infections, it will not work (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic will cause it not to function for future infections when it is not needed.
- Levofloxacin is often used to treat endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart and valves), some sexually transmitted infections, salmonella (an infection that causes extreme diarrhea), shigella (an infection that causes severe diarrhea), anthrax (an infection that causes severe diarrhea) and tuberculosis (an infection that can be deliberately transmitted into the air by anthrax germs as part of a bioterror attack) (TB).
- Often, levofloxacin is also used to avoid or treat traveler's diarrhea. Speak to your doctor about the complications of your condition using this drug.
How to Use Levofloxacin
- Before you begin taking levofloxacin and each time you get a refill, read the Drug Guide issued by your pharmacist. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions and doubts.
- Take this medicine by mouth, usually once a day with or without food, as instructed by your doctor. Unless otherwise advised by your doctor, drink plenty of water when taking this drug.
- Take this drug at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking some other medication that could make it less effective. Examples include quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals (including iron, zinc), and magnesium, aluminum, or calcium-containing products (such as antacids, didanosine, calcium-enriched juice, and amino acids).
- The dosage and duration of therapy are depends on your medical condition and yourtreatment reaction. In infants, the dose is often weight-based.
- Take this antibiotic at uniformly spaced times for the best effect. Take this drug at the same time every day in order to help you recall.
- Continue to take this drug until the dosage completion of the maximum amount which has been given, even though symptoms disappear after a couple of days. Stopping the medication too early can result in the infection returning.
Levofloxacin Side Effects
- There may be nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or sleeping problems.
- Know that this drug has been prescribed by your doctor because he or she has decided that the value is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any severe side effects, including: irregular bruising/bleeding, symptoms of kidney problems (such as changes in urine), signs of liver problems (such as non-stop nausea/vomiting, lack of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes/skin, darkness of the eyes/skin).
- If you have some very serious side effects, seek medical attention right away, including: chest pain, extreme dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, symptoms of a tear/break in the main blood vessel called the aorta (stomach/chest/back sudden/severe pain, cough, shortness of breath).
- Because of a type of resistant bacteria, this medication can rarely cause a serious intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea). This condition can occur during therapy or weeks to months after discontinuation of treatment. If you have some diarrhea that doesn't end, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your feces, tell your doctor right away.
- If you have any of these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid drugs, because these products can make them worse.
- For prolonged or repetitive periods, the use of this medication may result in an oral thrush or new infection of the yeast. If you find white spots in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new signs, contact your doctor.
- It is unusual to experience a very severe/seious allergic reaction to this drug. However, if you experience any strange signs of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, difficulty breathing, get medical assistance immediately.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to levofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin) before taking levofloxacin or if you have any other allergies. There may be many inactive ingredients in this substance that may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history before using this drug, especially: diabetes, problems with your joints/tendons (such as tendonitis, bursitis), kidney problems, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), some muscle conditions (myasthenia gravis), problems with your nerves (such as peripheral neuropathy), seizure disorders, blood vessels
- A disorder that affects the heart rhythm can be caused by Levofloxacin (QT prolongation). QT prolongation will rarely cause extreme rapid/irregular pulse (rarely fatal) and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require urgent medical attention.
- If you have any medical conditions or are taking other medications that may cause QT prolongation, the risk of QT prolongation may be increased.
- Your risk of QT prolongation can also be increased by low levels of blood potassium or magnesium. If you use certain medications (such as diuretics/'water pills') or if you have conditions such as excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, this risk can increase. Speak to your doctor on how to safely use levofloxacin.
- Significant changes in blood sugar can rarely be caused by levofloxacin, especially if you have diabetes. As instructed/advised, check your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor. Check for elevated blood sugar signs, such as increased thirst/urination. Look for low blood sugar signs, such as rapid sweating, trembling, quick pulse, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling, as well.
- If you do not have these reliable sources of glucose, consume a fast source of sugar, such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda, to easily increase your blood sugar. Tell your doctor immediately about your reaction and how to use this product. Eat meals on a daily schedule, and do not miss meals to help avoid low blood sugar. If any reaction happens, your doctor might need to move you to another antibiotic or change your diabetes medications.
- You can get dizzy or lightheaded with this medication. Alcohol or cannabis (cannabis) will make you dizzier. Do not drive, use big machinery/tools, or do something that involves caution before you can do it safely. Restrict alcoholic drinks
- Children could be at higher risk when taking this drug for joint/tendon problems. Discuss with the doctor the dangers and advantages.
- Older adults may be at higher risk of tendon problems (especially if corticosteroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone are also taken), QT prolongation, and sudden tearing/breaking of the main blood vessels (aorta).
- This drug should be used during pregnancy only when it is needed urgently.
- This medication is added to breast milk. Before breast-feeding, consult the doctor.
Interactions
- Drug interactions may affect the working of your drugs or increase the risk of serious side effects. Without your doctor's permission, dont try to start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication.
- Strontium is a substance that can interfere with this drug.
- Similar to ofloxacin, levofloxacin is somewhat similar. Do not use any ofloxacin-containing drug when taking levofloxacin.
- Some laboratory tests (such as urine screening for opiates) can interfere with this drug, likely causing false results.
Important information
- Hold all your doctor and laboratory appointments together. In order to confirm your body's reaction to levofloxacin, your doctor can order certain lab tests. Your doctor may ask you to check your blood sugar more frequently when taking levofloxacin if you have diabetes.
- Tell your doctor and the laboratory staff that you are taking levofloxacin before doing any laboratory examination.
- Do not let the medicine be taken by someone else also never share these drugs with anyone having same symptoms. It's possible your prescription is not refillable. Call your doctor if you still have signs of infection after you finish taking levofloxacin.
Overdose
If someone had overdosed with this medicine please seek medical help immediately
Missed Dose
If someone forgets any dose and remembers while taking next dose , do not take both dose. Skip the forgotten dose.
Storage
Keep it in air tight container and store it far away from sunlight and heat
Levofloxacin vs Azithromycin
Levofloxacin |
Azithromycin |
|---|---|
| Levofloxacin | Azithromycin |
| antibiotic medication | antibiotic |
| used to treat many different types of infections of bacteria. | used for the treatment of a several number of bacterial infections. |
| brand name Levaquin | Trade name Zithromax, Azithrocin |
| stopping the growth of bacteria. | stopping the growth of bacteria. |
| Formula: C18H20FN3O4 | Formula: C38H72N2O12 |
