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Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is an antibiotic. Levaquin 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.
What should I tell my doctor before I take Levaquin? Need to know if you have any of these conditions: dehydration kidney disease seizures (convulsions) stomach problems (especially colitis) stroke an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives pregnant or trying to get pregnant breastfeeding How should I take Levaquin? Take Levaquin by mouth with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or doctor even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or doctor regarding the use of Levaquin in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drugs may interact with Levaquin? aluminum salts antacids arsenic trioxide astemizole bepridil calcium salts caffeine certain heart medications for irregular rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol) certain medicines for depression or mental problems (e.g., amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, phenothiazines, risperidone, sertindole, ziprasidone) cimetidine cisapride clarithromycin cyclobenzaprine cyclosporine dairy products didanosine (ddI) dolasetron doxercalciferol droperidol erythromycin levomethadyl iron (ferrous sulfate) preparations magnesium salicylate magnesium salts manganese medicines for diabetes multivitamins containing calcium, iron, manganese, or zinc NSAIDs such as Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen, Motrin, naproxen pentamidine probucol retinoid products such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova) or isotretinoin (Accutan) sevelamer sucralfate terfenadine theophylline troleandomycin warfarin zinc salts Tell your prescriber or doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medication works. Check with your doctor before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking levofloxacin? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or doctor as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: confusion difficulty breathing irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain joint, muscle or tendon pain nightmares changes in your thought process redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth seizures severe or watery diarrhea skin rash, itching swelling of the face or neck tremor or restlessness vision changes vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or doctor if they continue or are bothersome): constipation or diarrhea difficulty sleeping dizziness or drowsiness headache intestinal gas or bloating nausea or stomach upset What should I watch for while taking Levaquin? Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days. If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reaction stop taking levofloxacin and call your prescriber or doctor for advice. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how levofloxacin affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Drink several glasses of water a day. Cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. Antacids can stop levofloxacin from working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure it has been at least 2 hours since you last took levofloxacin, or at least 2 to 4 hours before your next dose. Calcium, iron, and zinc preparations can also stop levofloxacin from working properly. Take calcium tablets, iron tablets, zinc tablets, or vitamins that contain calcium, iron, or zinc at least 2 hours before or two hours after levofloxacin. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. If you notice symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness, stop taking levofloxacin and contact your doctor immediately. If you notice pain or swelling of a tendon or around a joint, stop taking levofloxacin. Call your doctor. Rest the affected area. Do not exercise or take levofloxacin until your doctor tells you to do so. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or doctor that you are taking Levaquin. Where can I keep Levaquin? Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 25°and 30 degrees C (59°to 85 degrees F) and keep in a tightly closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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