LEVOFLOXACIN (LevaquinŽ) is an antibiotic. Levofloxacin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It is used to treat urinary tract, prostate, skin, sinus and lung infections, as well as other infections
Levodloxacin is an antibiotic, used to treat various bacterial infections, such as lung, sinus, urinary tract, prostate, skin and other infections. Levofloxacin may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
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)
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
How to use:
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.
Safety issues:
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.
insulin or oral diabetes medicines (eg, glyburide)
corticosteroids (eg, prednisone)
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
yellowing of skin or eyes
severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, diffivulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, lips, face, or tongue)
wheezing
vaginal discharge, irritation, or odor
unusual bruising or bleeding
tremors
bloody stools
chest pain
confusion
dark urine
decreased or painful urination
symptoms of nerve problems (eg, unusual pain, burning, tingling, or numbness; changes in perception or heat or cold; decreased sensation of touch)
fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
fever, chills or sore throat
hallucinations
hoarseness
suicidal thoughts or actions
stomach pain/cramps
joint or muscle pain or weakness
mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, ddepression, 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
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
stomach pain
diarrhea
dizziness
gas
nausea
lightheadedness
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
