Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

LEVOFLOXACIN - ORAL

(lev-oh-FLOX-uh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levaquin

Uses

This medication is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, skin infections, respiratory tract infections).

How To Use

Take by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any medications containing magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medications bind with ofloxacin preventing its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at the same time of day or night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

Nausea, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, vomiting, change in taste, headache or dizziness may occur. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: "sunburn" (sun sensitivity), joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling, vaginal discomfort, abdominal pain, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, mental/mood changes, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, restlessness, confusion, change in amount of urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush, or a new yeast infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: heart problems (e.g. QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor your medical history especially of: allergies (especially to quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), kidney disease, seizures, tendon problems, nervous system disorders, blood vessel disease, brain disorders (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumors or increased intracranial pressure). This drug may make you dizzy or lightheaded; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol intake. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Contact your doctor for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information from a related drug, this medication may pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

Drug Interactions

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may take especially of: antacids, other antibiotics, bismuth subsalicylate, "blood thinner" (e.g., warfarin), diabetes medication (e.g., glyburide, insulin), didanosine, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin), quinapril, sucralfate, theophylline, live vaccines, vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc). Other drugs besides levofloxacin which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or share it with someone else. A different medication may be needed in those cases. Patients with diabetes may experience changes in blood glucose levels due to infection or use of this medication. Monitor your blood glucose frequently while using this medication and notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, sweating and fast pulse.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep container tightly closed. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.