Levaquin is a fluoroquinolones class of antibiotic that is used to treat certain bacterial infections such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, sinus, urinary tract infection, kidney infection along with prostate and skin infections. This drug is also used to prevent anthrax in individuals, who have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air. Approved by majority of the drug regulatory authorities, Levaquin fights the bacteria in the body. It is known to treat or prevent infections that are proven to be caused by susceptible bacteria. It is available in tablet liquid and injection form for treating different type of bacterial infections.

It is vital for the patients to stick to the doctor’s recommended usage instructions in order to have best effect of the drug. Some of the significant usage instructions related with Levofloxacin include:

• Levaquin tablet is usually taken once in day and hence, patients should take the drug at the same time each day.
• This drug can be consumed with or without food.
• The drug should be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing it. However, the patients can split the tablet in two parts for easy swallowing it.
• Completing the course of Levaquin is important to avoid re-occurring of the infection.
• Patients should drink plenty of water or fluids while taking this drug.
• The dosage of the drug should never be altered by the patients without consulting the doctor.

Levaquin Dosage Instructions

Different dosages of Levaquin are prescribed for treating variety of bacterial infections. Dosages are also determined on several factors like age, weight, severity of the problem, condition for which they are treated and medical conditions of the patients. Dosages for different types of infections are stated below:

• Patients having chronic bronchitis, prostate and skin infections are recommended 500 mg of drug taken once in a day.
• Pneumonia or sinus infections patients are prescribed dosage between 500 mg to 750 mg of drug taken once in a day.
• Adults suffering from urinary tract infection are prescribed with 250 mg of drug taken once in day for the period of three days.

Missed and Overdose of Levofloxacin

In case if a dose is missed by a patient then the missed dose can be taken upon remembering it. If the time for next dose has come then patient should skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Patients should never take double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Overdose of the drug should be strictly avoided and if anyone has accidentally taken the overdose of the drug, then the victim should be provided with emergency medical help. Overdose victim can also consult to their local poison helpline. Some of the overdose symptoms include loss of coordination, drooping eyelids, weakness, decreased activity, trouble breathing, sweating, tremors, or seizure.

Levaquin Storage

Levaquin should be stored at normal room temperature and must be kept inside its original packaging. It should be protected from direct sunlight, heat and excessive moisture. It should be kept away from children and pets. All the unused and expired medicines must be safely disposed.

Before starting treatment with Levaquin, patients must inform their doctor about their medical profile which includes their medical conditions or medications that they are currently taking. It is essential to inform doctor to ensure that the drug therapy does not conflict with the patient and cause further health complications in patient. Below is a list of warnings and precautions that patients should be aware of are:

• Patients having history of myasthenia gravis should not use this drug.
• Individuals allergic to Levofloxacin or to similar antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin should avoid taking Levaquin.
• Individuals should maintain a gap of at least 2 hours between the intake of Levofloxacin and any antacids, vitamins or mineral supplements.
• Patients above the age of 60 years are more likely to experience swelling or tearing of a tendon.
• Patients must immediately stop using the drug if they experience sudden pain, swelling tenderness, stiffness or movement problems in joints.
• This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness therefore patients are advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while they are under the influence of this drug.
• Patients using Levaquin must avoid exposing their skin to sunlight.

Individuals suffering from any of the following problems must inform their doctor before using Levofloxacin:

• Kidney or liver disease
• Muscle weakness
• Joint problems
• Trouble breathing
• Diabetes
• Seizures
• Breathing problem
• Low potassium level in blood
• Having history of long QT syndrome

Most patients tolerate this drug and do not experience any side effects. Some patients taking Levaquin may experience some of the common side effects that are not serious and do not require any medical attention. Common side effects reported with this drug include:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

Levaquin Uncommon or Severe Side Effects

Few patients using Levofloxacin may experience uncommon or severe side effects. Upon experiencing any of the severe side effects, patients must immediately stop using the drug and consult their doctor. Severe side effects that can be rarely experienced by some patients include:

• Insomnia
• Fungi overgrowth
• Rash
• Low platelets count in the blood
• Tremor and Convulsions
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Depression or psychotic reaction
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Tendon disorders
• Severe skin reactions

Levofloxacin Drug Interactions

Patients prescribed with Levofloxacin must inform their doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, herbal medications and vitamin supplements that they are taking. It is important because certain drugs if taken along with Levofloxacin can cause drug interaction. Beside certain drugs, even the use of alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes and elicit drugs are known to affect the action of levaquin. Thus patients using any such product must inform their doctor. Drugs that are known to interact with Levaquin are:

• Amiodarone
• Aminophylline
• Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, calcium, and magnesium hydroxide should not be taken within 2 hours of taking Levofloxacin
• Anti-diabetes medications
• Anti-inflammatories drugs
• Calcium supplements, iron supplements and multivitamins should not be taken within 2 hours of taking levofloxacin
• Medications taken to control heart rhythm like disopyramide, quinidine and sotalol
• Cisapride
• Erythromycin
• Theophylline
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Warfarin