Levaquin!
Levaquin is used treat infections such as pneumonia;
chronic bronchitis; and sinus, urinary tract, kidney, and skin infections.
Levaquin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones.
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that
use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Please consult your
healthcare professional before using this or any other prescription or
non-prescription medication.
About Levaquin
Uses of Levaquin
Levaquin cures a variety of bacterial infections, including
several types of sinus infection and pneumonia. Levaquin is also prescribed for
flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, acute kidney infections, certain urinary
infections, and mild to moderate skin infections. Levaquin is a member of the
quinolone family of antibiotics.
Levaquin Directions
Levaquin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Levaquin is
usually taken once daily for 7-14 days. Treatment for some infections may
take 6 weeks or longer. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take Levaquin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Tablets should be
taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take Levaquin even if you
feel well. Do not stop taking Levaquin without talking to your doctor.
Levaquin Side Effects
Side effects of Levaquin may include: Abdominal pain,
anxiety, bad taste, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, fungal
infections, gas, general feeling of illness, headache, hives, indigestion,
itching, lack of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sleeplessness and
sleep disorders, sweating, swelling, tremors, vaginal discharge, vaginal
inflammation, vomiting, and yeast infection. If any of these symptoms occur,
contact your physician. In rare cases, Levaquin has caused convulsions and
other nervous disorders. If you develop any warning signs of a nervous
reaction - ranging from restlessness and tremors to depression and
hallucinations - stop taking this medication and call your doctor. Levaquin
may cause dizziness or light-headedness. Do not drive or operate machinery
until you know how this drug affects you. Hypersensitivity to quinolone
antibiotics can, in rare instances, lead to severe illnesses ranging from
blood disorders to liver or kidney failure. The first sign of a developing
problem is often a rash; so you should stop taking Levaquin and check with
your doctor when any type of skin disorder appears. A case of diarrhea during
Levaquin therapy could signal development of the potentially dangerous
condition known as pseudomembranous colitis, an inflammation of the bowel.
Call your doctor for treatment at the first sign of a problem. Stop taking
Levaquin, avoid exercise, and call your doctor if you develop pain,
inflammation, or a rupture in a tendon. Quinolone antibiotics have been
known to cause tendon rupture during and after therapy. If you have a
kidney condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Your dosage
may need to be lowered.
Levaquin Precautions
Levaquin has been known to cause dangerous allergic
reactions as soon as you take the first dose. Stop taking Levofloxacin
and call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following
warning signs: Skin rash, hives, or any other skin reaction; Rapid heartbeat;
Difficulty swallowing or breathing; Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
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