Levaquin

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Levaquin

Uses
This medication is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, skin infections or respiratory tract infections.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
Do not use it later for another infection or share it with someone else.
A different medication may be needed in those cases.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep container tightly closed.

Levaquin

How To Use

Take by mouth, usually once daily or as directed.
May take with or without food.
Drink plenty of water.
If you take any of the following items, take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this drug: zinc, iron, sucralfate, or antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level.
Do this by taking the medication at the same time of day or night.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

This medication may cause loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, nausea, headache or dizziness during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor.
Very unlikely but report promptly muscle pain or tenderness in arms or legs, vaginal discomfort, abdominal pain, vision changes, seizures, confusion, drowsiness, mental/mood changes or restlessness.
Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction to this medication occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives or itching.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor your medical history especially of epilepsy, kidney disease, tendon problems, nervous system disorders, liver disease, blood vessel disease and of any drug allergies.
Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you dizzy, lightheaded or drowsy.
Limit alcohol intake.
Because this medication may make you more sensitive to the sun, avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen when outdoors.
Caution is advised when this drug is used in children under 18 years of age.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug is excreted into breast milk.
You may have to stop nursing or stop using this drug.
Consult you doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose.
If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose.

Drug Interactions

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may take especially theophyllin, other antibiotics, anticoagulants (blood thinners), NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin), antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, diabetes medication, live vaccines or quinapril.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.