PATIENT FAQ
Why is Levaquin prescribed?
Levofloxacin is used treat infections such as pneumonia; chronic bronchitis;
and sinus, urinary tract, kidney, and skin infections. Levofloxacin is
in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by eliminating
bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu,
or other viral infections.
How should Levaquin be used?
Levofloxacin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once
daily for 7-14 days. Treatment for some infections may take 6 weeks or
longer. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take levofloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it
or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Tablets should be taken with a full glass of water.
Continue to take levofloxacin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
levofloxacin without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for Levaquin
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking levofloxacin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), cinoxacin (Cinobac), nalidixic acid (NegGram), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); cancer chemotherapy agents; cimetidine (Tagamet); cisapride (Propulsid); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); medications for irregular heartbeats such as amiodarone (Cordarone), disopyramide (Norpace), dofetilide (Tikosyn), procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl), quinidine (Quinidex), and sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF); oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); phenytoin (Dilantin); pimozide (Orap); probenecid (Benemid); sucralfate (Carafate); theophylline (Theo-Dur); thioridazine (Mellaril); and vitamins.
- do not take with antacids (Mylanta, Maalox), didanosine (Videx) chewable/buffered tablets or or solution, iron or zinc supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamins that contain iron or zinc. Take these medications 2 hours before or after levofloxacin.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, convulsions, colitis, stomach problems, vision problems, heart disease, or history of stroke.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking levofloxacin, call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking levofloxacin.
- you should know that this drug may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. Do not drive a car or work on dangerous machines until you know how levofloxacin will affect you.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Levofloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
- Keep in mind that it causes increased or decreased blood sugar in patients taking antidiabetes medications or insulin. Careful monitoring of blood glucose is advised. If you experience a significant drop in blood glucose, stop taking levofloxacin and call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should
I follow?
Levofloxacin can be taken with or without food. If an upset stomach occurs,
take with food. Drink at least eight full glasses of water or other liquid
every day.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Levaquin cause?
Although side effects from levofloxacin are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- headache
- restlessness
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the face or throat
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark urine
- pale or dark stools
- blood in urine
- pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon
- rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeats
What storage conditions are needed for
Levaquin?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep
away from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no
longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal
of your medication.
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