Levaquin

What is Levaquin

Levaquin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.

Levaquin is used to treat various types of bacterial infections.

Levaquin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Levaquin

Take all of the Levaquin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent the formation of Levaquin crystals in the urine.

Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of Levaquin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of Levaquin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.

What you should find out before taking Levaquin

Before taking Levaquin, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
- have a seizure disorder;
- have a heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval;
- have a slow heart rate that is considered a medical condition;
- have low levels of potassium in your blood; or
- are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances (irregular heartbeats) with drugs such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR, others), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others), sotalol (Betapace), and others.

You may not be able to take Levaquin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Levaquin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Levaquin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Levaquin passes into breast milk. Similar drugs are known to affect bone development. Do not take Levaquin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Levaquin is not approved for use by children under 18 years of age. It may interfere with bone development.

How should take Levaquin

Take Levaquin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent the formation of Levaquin crystals in the urine.

Levaquin may be taken with or without food.

Take Levaquin at evenly spaced intervals.

Take all of the Levaquin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

The most common symptom of a Levaquin overdose is seizures.

Avoid while taking Levaquin

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Levaquin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. If sun exposure is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Levaquin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Possible side effects of Levaquin

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Levaquin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- seizures;
- confusion or hallucinations;
- irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or fainting;
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or
- muscle or joint pain.

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Levaquin and talk to your doctor:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
- headache or lightheadedness;
- drowsiness;
- insomnia;
- ringing in the ears; or
- increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Levaquin

Before taking Levaquin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Slo-Phyllin, Slo-Bid, Elixophyllin);
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), and others; or
- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), and others.

You may not be able to take Levaquin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Levaquin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.