Levofloxacin is employed to take care of various bacterial infections. This medication is associated with a class of medicine known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the development of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only transmissions. It will not work for viral infections (including common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it's not required could cause it never to work for future infections.
Read the Medication Guide given by the pharmacist before you start taking levofloxacin and every time you recruit a refill. If you might have any questions, ask your physician or pharmacist.
Take prescription drugs by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. Drink a lot of fluids while taking prescription drugs unless otherwise directed by your physician.
Take medicines no less than 120 minutes before or couple of hours after taking other products which will make it work less well. Examples include quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals (including iron, zinc), and goods that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (like antacids, didanosine solution, calcium-enriched juice), and others. Ask your pharmacist about each of the products you are taking.
The dosage and amount of treatment provide your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage can also be according to weight.
For the top effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take medicines concurrently every day.
Continue to consider prescription drugs prior to the full prescribed amount ends, even though symptoms disappear after a couple of days. Stopping the medication prematurily . may result in coming back in the infection.
Tell your physician in case your condition lasts or gets worse.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If all of these effects last or get worse, tell your medical professional or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed prescription drugs because he or she's got judged that this benefit to you is more than the risk of unwanted side effects. Many people using this medication don't have serious negative effects.
Tell your physician straight away when you have any serious unwanted side effects, including: unusual bruising/bleeding, signs and symptoms of kidney problems (like change in the quantity of urine), signs of liver problems (like nausea/vomiting which doesn't stop, decrease of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious negative effects, including: chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat.
This medication may rarely result in a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a kind of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your medical professional without delay in the event you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus within your stool.
Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications when you have all of these symptoms as these products might make them worse.
Use of prescription drugs for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or perhaps a new infection. Contact your medical professional should you notice white patches in your mouth, a alternation in vaginal discharge, and other new symptoms.
A very serious hypersensitive reaction to this particular drug is rare. However, get medical help straight away in the event you notice any signs of a serious allergic attack, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete report on possible negative effects. If you notice other effects unlisted above, contact your medical professional or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call a medical expert for medical advice about unwanted side effects. You may report unwanted side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call a medical expert for health advice about negative effects. You may report unwanted effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking levofloxacin, tell your physician or pharmacist in case you are allergic to it; or other quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin); or for those who have some other allergies. This product could have inactive ingredients, which might cause allergy symptoms or another problems. Talk to the pharmacist for additional information.
Before using medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist your history, especially of: diabetes, joint/tendon problems (for example tendonitis, bursitis), kidney problems, mental/mood disorders (like depression), a certain muscle condition (myasthenia gravis), nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy), seizure disorder.
Levofloxacin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and also other symptoms (for example severe dizziness, fainting) that require medical attention without delay.
The likelihood of QT prolongation could be increased if you have certain medical ailments or take other drugs that could potentially cause QT prolongation. Before using levofloxacin, tell a medical expert or pharmacist of all of the drugs you are taking and when you have any from the following conditions: certain heart related illnesses (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation within the EKG), family history of certain cardiovascular disease (QT prolongation within the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low amounts of potassium or magnesium inside blood could also increase your probability of QT prolongation. This risk may increase in the event you use certain drugs (like diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions including severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using levofloxacin safely.
Levofloxacin may rarely cause serious modifications in blood sugar, especially when you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed and share the outcome with your medical professional. Watch for symptoms of high blood glucose levels for example increased thirst/urination. Also look for signs and symptoms of low blood glucose levels including sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to handle glucose tablets or gel to help remedy low blood glucose levels. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly increase your blood sugar by consuming a quick method to obtain sugar like ordinary sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking liquid or non-diet soda. Tell your physician immediately in regards to the reaction and the use of the product. To help prevent low blood glucose levels, eat meals over a regular schedule, no not skip meals. Your doctor might need to switch that you another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications if any reaction occurs.
This drug will make you dizzy or lightheaded. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or a single thing that requires alertness and soon you can do it safely. Limit alcohol consumption. Talk to your doctor should you are using marijuana.
This medication might make you more responsive to sunlight. Limit your time and efforts inside sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor straight away in case you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Levofloxacin may cause live bacterial vaccines (including typhoid vaccine) to never be well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using medicines unless a medical expert tells you to definitely.
Before having surgery, tell your physician or dentist about every one of the products you employ (including medications, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be at and the higher chances for joint/tendon problems while by using this drug. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with the doctor.
Older adults might be at the upper chances for tendon problems, liver problems, and QT prolongation (see above) while using this drug. The risk for tendon problems is even higher when they are also taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone).
During pregnancy, prescription drugs ought to be used not until clearly needed. Discuss the hazards and benefits with your physician.
This drug passes into breast milk in small amounts but isn't likely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your medical professional before breast-feeding.
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