Levaquin
Levaquin is
an antibiotic medication used treat infections such as pneumonia;
chronic bronchitis; and sinus, urinary tract, kidney, and skin infections.
Levaquin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones.
Uses of Levaquin
Levaquin cures a variety of bacterial
infections, including several types of sinus infection and pneumonia.
Levaquin is also prescribed for flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, acute
kidney infections, certain urinary infections, and mild to moderate skin
infections. Levaquin is a member of the quinolone family of antibiotics.
Levaquin Directions
Levaquin comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
Levaquin is usually taken once daily for 7-14 days. Treatment for some
infections may take 6 weeks or longer. Follow the directions on your
prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Take Levaquin exactly as directed. Do not
take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
doctor. Tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take
Levaquin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Levaquin without talking
to your doctor.
Levaquin Side Effects
Side effects of Levaquin may include:
- Abdominal
pain,
- anxiety,
- bad taste,
- constipation,
- diarrhea,
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- fungal
infections,
- gas,
- general feeling of illness,
- headache,
- hives,
- indigestion,
- itching,
- lack of appetite,
- nausea,
- nervousness,
- rash,
- sleeplessness and
sleep disorders,
- sweating,
- swelling,
- tremors,
- vaginal discharge,
- vaginal
inflammation,
- vomiting,
- and yeast infection.
If any of these symptoms occur,
contact your physician. 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. 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. If you have a
kidney condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Your dosage may need
to be lowered.
Levaquin Precautions
Levaquin has been known to cause dangerous
allergic reactions as soon as you take the first dose. Stop taking Levofloxacin and call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the
following warning signs: Skin rash, hives, or any other skin reaction; Rapid
heartbeat; Difficulty swallowing or breathing; Swelling of the face, lips,
tongue, or throat.
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