Levofloxacin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial infections.

How does it work?

• Levofloxacin inhibits metabolic activities in the bacteria causing its death.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take with food if medicine causes stomach upset. Avoid milk, milk products, or yogurt.
• Do not take dairy products, antacids, didanosine, multivitamins, minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium), nutritional supplements, or sucralfate within 4 hours of this medicine.
• Make sure you are drinking enough fluids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
• Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Not recommended in children younger than 18 years of age.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Alcohol may make infection more difficult to treat.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain and cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

What should I monitor?

• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Pain in back of the ankle. The part called the Achilles tendon.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store tablets in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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