Why is Levaquin prescribed?
Levaquin cures a variety of bacterial infections, including
several types of sinus infection and pneumonia. It is also
prescribed for flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, acute kidney
infections, certain urinary or chronic prostate infections, and
skin infections. Levaquin is a member of the quinolone family of
antibiotics.
How should you take Levaquin?
Take your complete prescription exactly as directed, even if you
begin to feel better. If you stop taking Levaquin too soon, the
infection may come back.
You may take Levaquin at mealtimes or in-between, but you should
avoid taking it within 2 hours of the following:
- Aluminum or magnesium antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Gaviscon
- Iron supplements such as Ferro-Sequels or Feosol
- Any multivitamin preparation containing zinc
- Videx chewable tablets or pediatric powder
- The ulcer medication Carafate
Be sure to drink plenty of fluid while taking Levaquin.
Side Effects of Levoquin
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Levaquin.
More common side effects may include: Headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping.
Less common or rare side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, abnormal or double vision, aggressiveness, agitation, anemia, angina, anxiety, asthma, back pain, blood abnormalities, blood clots, changeable emotions, chest pain, circulatory failure, colitis, coma, confusion, depression, difficulty in or obstructed breathing, difficulty
concentrating, disorientation, dizziness, emotional or mental problems, exaggerated sense of well-being, fainting, fungal infection, gangrene or other infections, gas, genital infection and itching, hallucination, heart attack, heart failure, heartbeat irregularities, high or low blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, hives, impaired thinking, indigestion, intestinal bleeding, intestinal inflammation or blockage, irregular
heartbeat, itching, kidney disorders, lack of muscle coordination, liver disorders, lung problems or inflammation, muscle pain weakness, pancreatitis, paralysis, pneumonia, rapid or slow heartbeat, rash, seizures, swelling of face or extremities, swollen tongue, tendon inflammation, tumor, vaginal inflammation, vertigo, vomiting, yellowing of eyes and skin.
Why should Levaquin not be prescribed?
If any other quinolone antibiotic - such as Cipro, Floxin, Maxaquin, Noroxin, or Penetrex - has ever given you an allergic reaction, avoid Levaquin.
Special warnings about Levaquin
In rare cases, Levaquin has caused convulsions and other nervous disorders. If you develop any warning signs of a nervous reaction--ranging from restlessness and tremors to depression and hallucinations--stop taking this medication and call your doctor.
Levaquin may cause dizziness or light-headedness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
Hypersensitivity to quinolone antibiotics can, in rare instances, lead to severe illnesses ranging from blood disorders to liver or kidney failure. The first sign of a developing problem is often a rash; so you should stop taking Levaquin and check with your doctor when any type of skin disorder appears. Remember, too, that an immediate allergic reaction is also a possibility (see "Most important fact about this drug").
A case of diarrhea during Levaquin therapy could signal development of the potentially dangerous condition known as pseudomembranous colitis, an inflammation of the bowel. Call your doctor for treatment at the first sign of a problem.
Stop taking Levaquin, avoid exercise, and call your doctor if you develop pain, inflammation, or a rupture in a tendon. Quinolone antibiotics have been known to cause tendon rupture during and after therapy. The danger of this is greater when quinolones are combined with steroid medications, especially among older adults.
In rare cases, Levaquin has been known to cause heartbeat irregularities. Avoid this drug if you are taking other medications that can change the heartbeat, or if you have a condition that predisposes you to this problem, such as a weak heart, a slow heartbeat, or low potassium.
If you have a kidney condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Your dosage may need to be lowered.
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