What is Levofloxacin for ?

This medication is prescribed for treating certain bacterial infections, and preventing anthrax.

How does Levofloxacin work ?

It is a quinolone antibiotic. It kills sensitive bacteria.

How should Levofloxacin be used ?

It comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth (orally). It is usually taken once a day with or without food. (Ensure adequate fluid intake.) Oral solution: Should be taken on an empty stomach also given as an injection at your doctors office, hospital, or clinic.

Common side effects of Levofloxacin ?

Belly pain. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Loose stools (diarrhea). Yogurt or probiotics may help. You may get these products at health food stores or in some pharmacies. Tendons may rarely get irritated and tear. Unsafe allergic effects may rarely happen. Harm to the liver may rarely happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose ?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Levofloxacin ?

If you have an allergy to levofloxacin or any other part of this drug. If you have had tendons get irritated or torn when taking this drug or an alike drug in the past. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have myasthenia gravis. If you are breast-feeding.

When do I need to seek medical help ?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. A fast heartbeat. Very bad headache. Change in thinking clearly and with logic. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very loose stools (diarrhea), even after drug is stopped. Pain in back of the ankle. Joint pain or swelling. Very bad muscle pain or weakness. Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Not able to eat. Feeling very tired or weak. Sudden change in eyesight. Seizures. Ringing in ears. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Levofloxacin with other medicines ?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions ?

Avoid alcohol.

How do I store Levofloxacin ?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category ?

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification ?

Quinolones, Eye Anti-Infectives & Antiseptics.