A Guide To: Levaquin

Working as a pharmacy technician for the past 5 years in one of the three biggest chain pharmacies in the United States, it is easy to see what the most popular drugs are and how important it is to have pertinent information on these drugs in one easy to read place. Below is a guide on Levaquin.

*IMPORTANT * * The information below is an educational guide. It does not cover all possible information nor is it intended as medical advice for specific cases. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further, more in-depth information or if you have any questions *

BRAND NAME : Levaquin

GENERIC NAME : Levofloxacin

DOSES : 250mg, 500mg, 750mg tablets

TYPE OF DRUG : quinolone antibiotic

WORKS : by stopping the growth of bacteria

USED : to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections

How To Use :

�· with or without food

�· usually once a day

�· drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication

�· take this drug at the same time each day

�· take until finished, even if symptoms begin to dissipate

�· take at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after quinapril, vitamins/minerals, products containing magnesium, aluminum or calcium

�· tell your doctor if your condition does not improve

Drug Interactions :

It is important to keep an up to date list of all medications you take and show it to your doctor and/or pharmacist when you take a new medication. Drug interactions can be harmful. They might change how medications work or increase your risk for side effects.

Live bacterial vaccines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and naproxen may interact with this drug.

Antibiotics may also decrease the effectiveness of birth control. It is important to use backup contraception while on levaquin.

Side Effects & Precautions :

This is not a complete list of side effects. Other side effects can occur. If you experience any side effects call your doctor right away.

If any of the following persist or worsen tell your doctor :

o nausea

o diarrhea

o headache

o dizziness

o lightheadedness

o trouble sleeping

Tell your doctor right away if any of the following occur :

o white patches in your mouth

o a change in vaginal discharge

o easy bruising/bleeding

o signs of a new infection

o change in amount of urine

Get medical help right away if any of the following occur :

o chest pain

o severe/persistent headache

o vision changes

o shaking

o seizures

o severe dizziness

o fainting

o fast/irregular heartbeat

o pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in your arms, hands, legs or feet

o changes in how you sense touch/pain/temperature/vibration/body position

o persistent diarrhea

o abdominal or stomach pain/cramping

o blood/mucus in your stool

If you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, get medical help right away :

o rash

o itching/swelling

o severe dizziness

o trouble breathing

Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a history of :

diabetes; heart problems; joint/tendon problems; kidney disease; myasthenia gravis; nerve problems; seizure disorder or conditions that increase your risk of seizures

– limit alcoholic beverages

– this medication may make you sensitive to the sun; use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors

– consult your doctor before breastfeeding

DISCLAIMERS

1. Do not share your medication with others.

2. Take medications as prescribed: do not start, stop or change dosages of medication without a

doctor’s approval.

3. If you have any questions ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Sources:
http://www.levaquin.com/sites/default/files/pdf/Levaquin%20Med%20Guide.pdf#zoom=100

www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/drugsafety/ucm088619.pdf

www.drugs.com/levaquin.html

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