Levaquin

Levaquin is an antibiotic medication 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.

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.