Levofloxacin

levofloxacin

Brand(s):

• Levoquin Glevo Levotas Levoday

Manufacturer:

• Cipla Limited / Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / Zydus Cadila Healthcare

Disease(s):

• Infections / Bronchitis / Pneumonia / Chlamydia / Gonorrhea

Known as:

• Iquix / Levaquin / Quixin

Levofloxacin Tablet: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Levofloxacin?

Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic, meaning it combats bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or hindering their growth. It's prescribed to treat bacterial infections affecting the lungs, skin, and urinary tract. Importantly, levofloxacin is ineffective against viral infections such as colds or the flu.

Before Taking Levofloxacin: Important Considerations

Before starting levofloxacin, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, including:

• Cerebral disease: Conditions affecting the brain.
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): Any abnormality in your heart rhythm.
• Kidney disease: Impaired kidney function.
• Seizure disorder (epilepsy): A history of seizures.
• Allergies: Any known allergies to levofloxacin, other antibiotics, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy: Levofloxacin's effects on pregnancy are important to discuss with your doctor.
• Breastfeeding: Levofloxacin can pass into breast milk.

Your doctor will assess your overall health and determine if levofloxacin is the right treatment for you.

How to Use Levofloxacin

Take levofloxacin orally with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Adhere to the prescribed dosage and schedule precisely as directed by your doctor. Do not adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication prematurely, even if you feel better. Only your doctor should decide when to stop treatment. Levofloxacin is generally not approved for use in children; consult your pediatrician for pediatric-appropriate alternatives. In case of an overdose, immediately contact a poison control center or emergency room.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double the dose.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking levofloxacin with the following medications:

• Arsenic trioxide
• Chloroquine
• Droperidol
• Medications for irregular heart rhythm: Amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol
• Certain antidepressants/antipsychotics: Phenothiazines, pimozide, ziprasidone

Levofloxacin may also interact with:

• Amoxapine
• Cisapride
• Dairy products
• Didanosine (ddI) buffered tablets or powder
• Haloperidol
• Multivitamins
• Retinoid products (e.g., tretinoin, isotretinoin)
• Risperidone
• Some other antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Sucralfate
• Theophylline
• Warfarin

This is not an exhaustive list. Always provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and substances you consume (including alcohol and tobacco) to identify potential interactions.

Monitoring Your Health While on Levofloxacin

Report any worsening or persistent symptoms to your doctor. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting caffeine intake. Avoid dehydration. Levofloxacin can cause drowsiness or dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Change positions slowly to minimize dizziness. Levofloxacin increases sun sensitivity; use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Diabetics should monitor their blood glucose levels closely. Report any unusual readings to your doctor immediately. Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter medications without consulting your doctor. Avoid antacids, calcium, iron, and zinc supplements for four hours before and two hours after taking levofloxacin.

Possible Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Allergic reactions (rash, hives, facial swelling)
• Vision changes
• Confusion, hallucinations, nightmares
• Breathing difficulties
• Irregular heartbeat, chest pain
• Joint, muscle, or tendon pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Skin reactions (redness, blistering, peeling)
• Seizures
• Unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Vaginal irritation or discharge

Less serious side effects that may not require medical attention (but should be reported if persistent or bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea, stomach upset
• Sleep disturbances

This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects.

Storage

Keep levofloxacin out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) in a tightly closed container. Discard any unused medication after the expiration date.