What is Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone (flor-oKWIN-olone), is an antibacterial that fights bacteria within the body. Levofloxacin can be used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Levofloxacin can also be used to treat those who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague.Fluoroquinolone antibacterials may cause severe or permanent side effects. Levofloxacin is only to be used for infections that cannot be treated by a safer antibiotic.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of levofloxacin.
Side effects of Levofloxacin
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.Levofloxacin may cause serious side effects, such as tendon problems, nerve side effects (which could cause permanent nerve damage), mood or behaviour changes that are severe (even after a single dose), and low sugar, which can lead to coma.
Do not take this medication if you are currently experiencing:
- Low blood sugar: headache; sweating; irritability; and dizziness nausea. Rapid heart rate.
- Nerve symptoms can include tingling or burning pain in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
- Serious mood or behaviour changes—nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or
- Signs of tendon rupture include sudden pain, swelling, bruises, tenderness, and stiffness. You may also experience movement issues or hear a popping or snapping sound.
Levofloxacin can cause damage to the aorta (the main blood vessel of the body) in rare cases. If you experience severe pain or bleeding in your back, chest, or stomach, seek emergency medical attention.
Stop using levofloxacin immediately and contact your doctor if:
- Severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, watery or bleeding;
- You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
- The first sign of any skin rash is important, regardless of how mild it may be.
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Muscle weakness or difficulty breathing
- Liver problems: upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine or stools, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes);
- Increased pressure in the skull can cause severe headaches, dizziness, and nausea, as well as vision problems or pain behind the eyes.
Levaquin side effects may include:
- Nausea, constipation, diarrhoea;
- Dizziness;
- Headache
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, reach out to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Levofloxacin may cause severe side effects, including nerve damage, mood or behaviour changes, or tendon problems.If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using this medication and contact your doctor immediately: headaches, nausea, irritability, or numbness; tingling or burning pains; confusion, agitation, or paranoia; problems with concentration or memory; thoughts of suicidal behaviour; sudden pain in your joints; or sudden movement problems.If you experience severe pain in your back, chest, or stomach, seek emergency medical attention.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to levofloxacin (or other fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin), gemifloxacin (moxifloxacin), ofloxacin (ofloxacin), norfloxacin, and others.Levofloxacin can cause swelling or tears in a tendon (the fibre connecting bones to muscles). This is most common in the Achilles tendon in the heel. This can occur during treatment or even several months after stopping levofloxacin. Some people are more susceptible to tendon problems (children, older adults, or those who have used steroid medication or had a transplant).
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Tendon problems, bone problems, or arthritis (especially in children)
- Aneurysms, narrowing, or hardening of the arteries are all symptoms of blood circulation problems.
- Heart problems High blood pressure
- A genetic disorder such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome;
- Diabetes;
- A muscle or nerve disorder such as myasthenia gravis
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- A head injury or brain tumour;
- Long-QT syndrome
- Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Levofloxacin?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Injections of levofloxacin are given into the vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medicine properly.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, don't use levofloxacin. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.Levofloxacin should be administered slowly over a period of at least 60 minutes.Levofloxacin can be given for up to 14 consecutive days. Some infections require treatment for up to eight weeks. Anthrax is treated for about 60 days.Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.While taking this medication, drink extra fluids to ensure that your kidneys are working properly.Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get infections resistant to medications if you skip doses. The injection of Levofloxacin will not treat viral infections such as flu and common cold.You may get false results if you use this medicine. Tell the lab staff that you are using levofloxacin.Store away from moisture, light, and heat. Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a levofloxacin shot, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. Your body might be incapable of reacting in the proper manner.Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you have bloody or watery diarrhoea before taking anti-diarrhoea medication.You may get sunburn if you take Levofloxacin. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. If you experience severe sunburn, redness, itchiness, rash, or swelling, tell your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of any medications taken outside of their intended use, such as:
- Theophylline;
- A blood thinner (warfarin coumadin jantoven);
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Heart rhythm medication
- Insulin (or oral diabetes medication) (check your blood glucose regularly);
- Medicine to treat mental illness or depression
- Steroid medicine (such as prednisone);
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and indomethacin are all nsaids.
This list is incomplete. This list is not complete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect levofloxacin. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
