About Levaquin
The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Levaquin.
Levaquin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The class of antibiotics called quinolones work by disrupting gene replication in bacteria. Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, skin, prostate, bladder, kidneys and paranasal sinuses. Levaquin is also one of the antibiotic drugs of choice that is used to treat anthrax infections.
Take Levaquin with water and make sure to stay hydrated. Do not stop taking Levaquin until directed by your physician, regardless of how you feel. Levaquin can increase skin sensitivity to UV light. If you are using Levaquin, protect your skin from sunlight and do not use artificial tanning beds. Medications that can interact with Levaquin and decrease its efficacy or cause adverse drug reactions include ulcer medications, antacids, didanosine and iron or zinc-containing vitamin or mineral supplements. These medications can still be used when you are taking Levaquin, but they have to be taken at a different time of day. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before you start taking Levaquin.
Side effects of Levaquin include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, mood changes, insomnia, having nightmares, muscle aches, dizziness, headaches, skin itching and vaginal itching in women. More serious side effects of Levaquin that require immediate medical attention include fainting, joint swelling and pain, bloody diarrhea, hallucinations and confusion, seizures, jaundice, discolored urine or stools, fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, decreased urination, numbness or pain in the extremities and skin rash or blistering. Levaquin also increases the risk of developing damage to tendons, especially the Achilles tendon of the foot.
| Form: |
Tablet taken orally, oral solution or injection. |
| Strength: |
250 mg, 500 mg or 750 mg tablets; 25 mg/mL oral solution; 250 mg, 500 mg or 750 mg slow-infusion injection. |
| Storage: |
Room temperature. Keep away from heat and moisture. Do not freeze the liquid medication. |
| Contraindications: | Patients allergic to levofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics, patients with heart rhythm disorders, patients with liver or kidney problems, patients with epilepsy or other seizure disorders, patients with myasthenia gravis, patient with joint problems, patients with long QT syndrome, patients with diabetes, patients with an electrolyte imbalance. |
| Generic Name: | Levofloxacin |
What is Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin is the generic form of Levaquin and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Levofloxacin.
