Indications
Levaquin (active ingredient: levofloxacin) is a prescription medication indicated for:
-
Bacterial Infections: Levaquin is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including:
- Respiratory Tract Infections: Such as acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, and acute sinusitis.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Including complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis.
- Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Such as cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections.
- Prostatitis: Including chronic bacterial prostatitis.
Levaquin belongs to a class of drugs known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which work by inhibiting the enzymes necessary for bacterial DNA replication, thereby killing susceptible bacteria and treating the infection.
Uses and Dosage
Levofloxacin is typically taken once a day, in tablet form, by mouth. The length of your treatment with Levofloxacin will depend on the type of infection you have, and your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how long to take the medication. The tablet may be taken with or without food; take Levofloxacin at the same time every day.
The recommended dosage of Levofloxacin can vary depending on the type of infection being treated and the age of the patient. However, the standard dosage for adults is typically between 250-750 mg per day and 250-500 mg for children, taken orally once daily or divided into two doses per day. The length of treatment with Levofloxacin will also depend on the type of infection being treated and other individual factors.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Levaquin (Levofloxacin):
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Trouble sleeping
Serious Side Effects of Levaquin (Levofloxacin):
- Allergic reactions
- Heart rhythm changes
- Increased pressure around the brain
- Joint, muscle, or tendon pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Liver injury
- Right upper belly pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dark yellow or brown urine
- Light-colored stool
- Nausea
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- Yellowing skin or eyes
- Mood and behavior changes
- Hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Sudden or severe chest, back, or stomach pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Form and Strength
Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Levaquin: Tablet
- 500 mg
Levofloxacin: Tablet
- 250 mg
- 500 mg
- 750 mg
Caution
- Before taking levofloxacin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have to levofloxacin or to other quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin. Levofloxacin contains inactive ingredients which may cause allergic reactions or other complications. Consult with your pharmacist for more information.
- Before taking levofloxacin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medical history that includes diabetes, joint or tendon problems (such as tendonitis or bursitis), kidney problems, mental or mood disorders.
- When taking levofloxacin, it may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. To ensure your safety, avoid tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you are certain that you can do so safely.
- Consuming alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can increase the likelihood of experiencing dizziness, so limit your intake of alcoholic beverages and speak to your doctor if you are currently using marijuana.
- If you experience symptoms like headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, difficulty with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints while using levofloxacin, discontinue use immediately and contact your doctor.
- If you are taking antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide) sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that include zinc or iron, you take these medications at least two hours before or after taking levofloxacin to avoid any potential interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I miss a dose of levofloxacin?
If you miss a dose of levofloxacin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
Can levofloxacin be taken during pregnancy?
The safety of levofloxacin during pregnancy has not been established, so it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Can levofloxacin be used to treat flu or other viral infections?
No, levofloxacin is only effective against bacterial infections and should not be used to treat viral infections such as the flu.
How long do I have to take levofloxacin?
In general, most infections require treatment with levofloxacin for 7 to 14 days. There are some infections that have a shorter length of treatment of 3 to 5 days.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14492-8235/levaquin-oral/levofloxacin-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/levaquin-drug.htm
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697040.html
- https://www.drugs.com/levaquin.html
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20154-levofloxacin-tablets
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/020634s065,020635s071,021721s032lbl.pdf
- https://www.goodrx.com/levofloxacin/what-is
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