Levofloxacin
Drug Info
Generic Name: Levofloxacin Injection (LEE-voe-FLOX-a-sin)
Brand Name: Levaquin
Levofloxacin is used for:
Treating infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also
be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure.
Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic. It works by killing
sensitive bacteria.
Do NOT use Levofloxacin if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Levofloxacin or
any other quinolone antibiotic (eg, ciprofloxacin)
you have a certain type of irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation; long QT
syndrome) or low blood potassium levels
you are taking cisapride or certain antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, procainamide,
quinidine, sotalol)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if
any of these apply to you.
Before using Levofloxacin :
Some medical conditions may interact with Levofloxacin .
Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions,
especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation,
or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you or a family member have a history of fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat;
chest pain; angina; or heart attack
if you have other heart problems (eg, heart failure, enlarged heart), diabetes,
kidney problems, tendon problems (eg, inflammation), or Alzheimer disease
if you have narrowed or hardened blood vessels in the brain, increased pressure
in the brain, nervous system problems, or a history of seizures (eg, epilepsy)
if you sunburn easily or you will be in the sun for a prolonged period of
time
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Levofloxacin . Tell your
health care provider if you are taking any other medicines,
especially any of the following:
Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide,
quinidine), arsenic, astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, droperidol,
haloperidol, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), macrolides (eg,
erythromycin), methadone, paliperidone, phenothiazines (eg,
chlorpromazine), pimozide, ranolazine, serotonin receptor
antagonists (eg, dolasetron), telithromycin, terfenadine,
or ziprasidone because the risk of serious heart problems,
including irregular heartbeat, may be increased
Insulin or oral diabetes medicines (eg, glyburide) because the risk of high
or low blood sugar may be increased
Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because the risk of tendon problems may
be increased
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) or theophylline
because the risk of serious side effects, including seizures, may be increased
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine) because
the risk of their side effects may be increased by Levofloxacin
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that
may occur. Ask your health care provider if Levofloxacin
may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with
your health care provider before you start, stop, or change
the dose of any medicine.
How to use Levofloxacin :
Use Levofloxacin as directed by your doctor. Check the label
on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
An extra patient leaflet is available with Levofloxacin
. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this
information.
Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Levofloxacin is recommended. Check
with your doctor for instructions.
Levofloxacin is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital,
or clinic. If you will be using Levofloxacin at home, a health care provider
will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Levofloxacin
. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health
care provider if you have any questions.
Do not use Levofloxacin if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored,
or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children
and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health
care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local
rules for disposal.
Levofloxacin works best if it is used at the same time each day.
To clear up your infection completely, use Levofloxacin for the full course
of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
Do not miss any doses of Levofloxacin . If you miss a dose of Levofloxacin
, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use
2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have
about how to use Levofloxacin .
Important safety information:
Levofloxacin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or
certain medicines. Use Levofloxacin with caution. Do not
drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know
how you react to it.
Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea,
or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your
doctor.
Levofloxacin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections
(eg, the common cold).
Be sure to use Levofloxacin for the full course of treatment. If you do not,
the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could
also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the
infection harder to treat in the future.
Long-term or repeated use of Levofloxacin may cause a second infection. Tell
your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to
be changed to treat this.
Tendon problems have been reported with Levofloxacin . Some of these problems
have been severe. Contact your doctor right away if you develop pain or swelling
of a joint or tendon.
Levofloxacin may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun,
sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Levofloxacin .
Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more
than a short time.
If you are scheduled to receive a typhoid vaccine while you are taking Levofloxacin
, talk with your doctor. Levofloxacin may decrease the effectiveness of the
vaccine.
Diabetes patients - Levofloxacin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood
sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes
medicine.
Levofloxacin may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and
lab personnel know you are taking Levofloxacin .
Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood
counts, may be performed while you use Levofloxacin . These tests may be used
to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor
and lab appointments.
Use Levofloxacin with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive
to its effects, especially tendon problems and irregular heartbeat.
Levofloxacin should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety
and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Children may also
be more sensitive to joint and tendon problems.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor.
You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Levofloxacin while
you are pregnant. Levofloxacin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed
while taking Levofloxacin .
Possible side effects of Levofloxacin :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have
no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any
of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; dizziness; gas; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach
pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE
side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth,
face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; confusion;
dark urine; decreased or painful urination; fainting; fast
or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations;
hoarseness; joint or muscle pain or weakness; mental or mood
changes (eg, depression, anxiety, paranoia); new or worsening
nightmares, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; red, swollen,
blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe
or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, or weakness;
severe sunburn; shortness of breath; stomach pain/cramps;
suicidal thoughts or actions; symptoms of high or low blood
sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; fast breathing;
flushing; dizziness; fainting; increased sweating; vision
changes); symptoms of nerve problems (eg, unusual pain, burning,
tingling, or numbness; changes in perception or heat or cold;
decreased sensation of touch); tremors; unusual bruising
or bleeding; vaginal discharge, irritation, or odor; wheezing;
yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may
occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about
side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
(1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison
Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm),
or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Levofloxacin :
Levofloxacin is usually handled and stored by a health care
provider. If you are using Levofloxacin at home, store Levofloxacin
as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep
Levofloxacin out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Levofloxacin , please
talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Levofloxacin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed.
Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your
doctor.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain
all information about Levofloxacin . If you have questions
about the medicine you are taking or would like more information,
check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care
provider. |
