LEVAQUIN ORAL

Who is Levaquin Oral for ?

Levofloxacin, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause infections, such as pneumonia; chronic bronchitis; and sinus, urinary tract, kidney, and skin infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It works by interfering with an enzyme that allows bacteria to reproduce, thereby halting the growth of bacteria and eventually leading to their death.

When should I be careful taking Levaquin Oral ?

Before taking levofloxacin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), cinoxacin (Cinobac), nalidixic acid (NegGram), erythromycin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin), cancer chemotherapy agents, cimetidine (Tagamet), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), sucralfate (Carafate), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins.
• do not take with antacids (Mylanta, Maalox), iron or zinc supplements, or vitamins that contain iron or zinc. Take them 2 hours before or 4 hours after levofloxacin.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, epilepsy, colitis, stomach problems, vision problems, heart disease, or history of stroke.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking levofloxacin, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking levofloxacin.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Levofloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• you should know that this drug may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. Do not drive a car or work on dangerous machines until you know how levofloxacin will affect you.
• Keep in mind that it causes increased or decreased blood sugar in patients taking antidiabetes medications or insulin. Careful monitoring of blood glucose is advised. If you experience a significant drop in blood glucose, stop taking levofloxacin and call your doctor.

Side Effects

Although side effects from levofloxacin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• headache
• restlessness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face or throat
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• pale or dark stools
• blood in urine
• pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon