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What is Levaquin?
Levaquin is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). It fights bacteria in the body.
Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, or prostate. It is also used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis or pneumonia, and to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax.
Levaquin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Levaquin
You should not use Levaquin if you are allergic to levofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.
Before taking Levaquin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."
Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 2 hours before or after you take Levaquin. These other medicines can make Levaquin much less effective when taken at the same time.
Taking levofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.
Levaquin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take an oral steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share Levaquin with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.
How should I take Levaquin?
Take Levaquin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Levaquin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking Levaquin.
You may take Levaquin tablets with or without food.
Take Levaquin oral solution (liquid) on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Levaquin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
This medicine can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Levaquin.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Levaquin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
* dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
* sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle);
* diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
* confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;
* seizure (convulsions);
* pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;
* urinating less than usual or not at all;
* easy bruising or bleeding;
* numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
* fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
* the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.
Less serious Levaquin side effects may include:
* nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
* feeling restless, anxious, or depressed;
* headache, dizziness;
* muscle pain;
* sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares);
* vaginal itching or discharge; or
* mild skin itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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