Home :: Levaquin

Levaquin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Levofloxacin

Levaquin is in a group of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Levofloxacin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It is used to treat urinary tract, prostate, skin, sinus and lung infections, as well as other infections. Levaquin fights bacteria in the body. It works by eliminating bacteria that may cause infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Levaquin Dosage

• For the treatment of Respiratory and uncomplicated skin infections, and chronic prostate infections, the usual dose is 500 milligrams once a day. For certain types of pneumonia, the dose is 750 milligrams once a day.
• For the treatment of Complicated skin infections, the usual dose is 750 milligrams once a day. Treatment typically lasts for 7 to 14 days.
• For Kidney and urinary infections, the usual dose is 250 milligrams once a day.

Uses of Levaquin

Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections that may cause bronchitis, pneumonia, chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the prostate.

Side Effects of Levaquin

If you are using Levaquin, then discuss the side effects of Levaquin with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Levaquin. Side effects may include:

• Headache
• nausea
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• abnormal or double vision
• aggressiveness
• anemia
• blood abnormalities
• chest painilure
• depression
• emotional or mental problems
• fainting
• genital infection

Warnings and precautions before taking Levaquin:

• You should 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.
• If you have kidney or liver disease, convulsions, colitis, stomach problems, vision problems, heart disease, or history of stroke, then tell your doctor.
• If you are taking Levaquin, then you may feel some dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. So do not perform any activities that require full alertness such as drive a car or work on dangerous machines.
• Stop taking Levaquin, avoid exercise, and call your doctor if you develop pain, inflammation, or a rupture in a tendon.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Levaquin, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Levaquin. Do not start taking medicine without talking with your doctor. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, ibuprofen, and Naprosyn can increase the risk of a nervous reaction to Levaquin. Also, check with your doctor before combining Levaquin with an oral diabetes drug such as Glucotrol, Micronase, or Orinase; changes in blood sugar levels could result.

Overdose

After taking Levaquin, If you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of Levaquin overdose may include:

• loss of balance or coordination
• drooping eyelids
• weakness
• decreased activity
• trouble breathing
• sweating
• tremors
• seizure