Levaquin

Generic Name : LEVOFLOXACIN

What is Levaquin?

Levaquin, with a generic name of Levofloxacin, is an antibiotic under the class of quinolones. It is used to treat different types of bacterial infection, especially in the lungs, skin, sinus and urinary tract. Levaquin kills the bacteria in the body.

Levaquin, or Levofloxacin, is only recommended for adults 18 years old and above as it may interfere with a child’s bone development. Levaquin should also not be taken by pregnant or nursing women as the effects on an unborn baby or nursing infant is unknown.

As most doctors prescribe, Levofloxacin should be taken once a day. It is also recommended to take the drug for the whole prescribed period even if the condition gets better before completing the entire prescription. This is because Levaquin may not have killed all the bacteria yet that has caused the ailment. It should also be taken with as much water as possible.

Before taking Levaquin, the patient should inform the healthcare professional if any of the following is true – kidney disease, seizure disorder, slow hear rate, heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval, low level of potassium, and with heart rhythm disturbances. There might be some undesirable effects if Levofloxacin is taken while having these conditions.

When the patient is taking warfarin (coumadin), taking Levaquin is not advisable as it may cause to develop bleeding problems. Antacids and some multivitamins may also cause for the levofloxacin not to be fully absorbed by the body. If taking multivitamins, try to take levofloxacin either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking the multivitamins.

Levaquin also has some known mild side effects. These effects may include itching, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, rash, flatulence, dizziness, and vaginitis.

Those who have allergic reactions to levofloxacin may develop hives, skin rash or other allergic symptoms. Once this happens, stop taking the medicine and a doctor should be consulted for alternatives.

Levaquin has also been known to cause peripheral neuropathy. Some symptoms of this condition include pain, numbness, burning, tingling sensation and weakness. If any of these symptoms is experienced after taking Levaquin, discontinue using it and consult a physician for other possible medicines.

There were also some reports that levofloxacin cause rupture of the shoulders, hands, or the Achilles tendons. Also, symptoms of hypoglycemia may also be experienced. If such things happen, stop taking Levaquin and consult a doctor.

Levofloxacin and other quinolone antibiotics have also been associated in developing blistering sunburns after exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet light sources such as those in a tanning salon.

Other health conditions that taking Levaquin or Levofloxacin may cause are convulsions, restlessness, insomnia, lightheadedness, hallucinations, tremors, paranoia, depression, and possible suicidal thoughts or acts.

Levaquin, in general, is safe as there are several clinical tests done to prove it. However, extra precaution is needed especially when the patient is experiencing other health conditions. That is why it is best to consult a physician first before taking this drug. Levaquin or Levofloxacin should be able to help relieve infections caused by bacteria, and not cause more complications to the patient.