Levofloxacin is utilized to help remedy a number of microbe infections. This medication belongs to a class of medicine known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the development of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not benefit viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not required may cause it to not work for future infections.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your friendly phamacist before you begin taking levofloxacin each time you recruit a refill. If you've any queries, ask a medical expert or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your physician, usually once daily with or without food. Drink a lot of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by a medical expert.
Take medicines at least 2 hours before or 120 minutes after taking other items that could make it work less well. Examples include quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals (including iron, zinc), and products that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (for example antacids, didanosine solution, calcium-enriched juice), and the like. Ask your pharmacist about every one of the products you adopt.
The dosage and duration of treatment provide your medical problem and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is additionally determined by weight.
For the top effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take medicines at the same time daily.
Continue to consider this medication before the full prescribed amount ends, even when symptoms disappear right after days. Stopping the medication prematurily . may result in going back from the infection.
Tell your physician if your condition lasts or gets worse.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or sleep problems may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell a medical expert or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that a medical expert has prescribed prescription drugs as they or she gets judged how the help to you is more than potential risk of unwanted side effects. Many people using this medication would not have serious unwanted side effects.
Tell your medical professional right away when you have any serious unwanted side effects, including: unusual bruising/bleeding, warning signs of kidney problems (including alteration of how much urine), signs of liver problems (for example nausea/vomiting it doesn't stop, decrease of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
Get medical help immediately in case you have any very serious unwanted effects, including: chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) because of kind of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your physician immediately should you develop: diarrhea which doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus with your stool.
Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have all of these symptoms since these products will make them worse.
Use of prescription drugs for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or perhaps a new candida albicans. Contact a medical expert in the event you notice white patches with your mouth, a difference in vaginal discharge, or another new symptoms.
A much more severe hypersensitive reaction for this drug is rare. However, get medical help without delay in the event you notice any the signs of a serious hypersensitivity, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially with the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete listing of possible unwanted side effects. If you notice other effects unlisted above, contact a medical expert or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your physician for health advice about unwanted effects. You may report unwanted side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your medical professional for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report negative effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking levofloxacin, tell your physician or pharmacist in the event you are allergic for it; or to other quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin); or in case you have some other allergies. This product might have inactive ingredients, which might cause allergies or other problems. Talk to your friendly phamacist for additional information.
Before using this medication, tell a medical expert or pharmacist your history, especially of: diabetes, joint/tendon problems (for example tendonitis, bursitis), kidney problems, mental/mood disorders (for example depression), some muscle condition (myasthenia gravis), nerve problems (like peripheral neuropathy), seizure disorder.
Levofloxacin may result in a condition that affects one's heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat as well as other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require medical help immediately.
The risk of QT prolongation could be increased when you have certain medical conditions or take other drugs that could cause QT prolongation. Before using levofloxacin, tell your physician or pharmacist of all of the drugs you take and in case you have any from the following conditions: certain cardiovascular disease (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation inside the EKG), ancestors and family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation inside the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low degrees of potassium or magnesium inside blood could also increase your probability of QT prolongation. This risk may increase in case you use certain drugs (like diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions including severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using levofloxacin safely.
Levofloxacin may rarely cause serious alterations in blood glucose levels, especially if you have diabetes. Check your blood glucose levels regularly as directed and share the results with your medical professional. Watch for signs of high blood sugar including increased thirst/urination. Also watch out for symptoms of low blood sugar levels including sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to transport glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood glucose. If you don't have these reliable varieties of glucose, rapidly raise the blood glucose by eating a simple source of sugar like ordinary sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking liquid or non-diet soda. Tell a medical expert immediately concerning the reaction along with the use of the product. To help prevent low blood sugar levels, eat meals over a regular schedule, with out not skip meals. Your doctor may need to switch that you another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications if any reaction occurs.
This drug could make you dizzy or lightheaded. Alcohol or marijuana will make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do just about anything that needs alertness until you are capable of doing it safely. Limit booze. Talk to your doctor should you are using marijuana.
This medication may make you more responsive to the sun. Limit your time inside sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your physician right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Levofloxacin could cause live bacterial vaccines (including typhoid vaccine) never to act as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations when using prescription drugs unless your doctor tells you to.
Before having surgery, tell your physician or dentist about all of the products you utilize (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be at greater risk for joint/tendon problems while by using this drug. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with all the doctor.
Older adults could be at greater risk for tendon problems, liver problems, and QT prolongation (see above) while using this drug. The risk for tendon problems is even higher when they are also taking corticosteroids (including prednisone, hydrocortisone).
During pregnancy, this medication must be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the hazards and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk in a small amount but is not likely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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