levofloxacin Health Article

Generic name(s):

levofloxacin

Brand name(s):

Levaquin, Levaquin Leva-Pak

What is the most important information I should know about levofloxacin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to levofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.

Before taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

Take levofloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent crystals from forming in the urine. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as watery diarrhea, seizure, unusual thoughts or behavior, fast or pounding heartbeats, fainting, sudden pain or swelling near your joints, urinating less than usual, dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Levofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Avoid taking antacids, sucralfate (Carafate), didanosine (Videx), or vitamin or mineral supplements within 2 hours before or after you take levofloxacin. These other medicines can make levofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time.

There are many other drugs that can interact with levofloxacin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years old. Levofloxacin may interfere with bone development in a child.

What is levofloxacin?

Levofloxacin is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Levofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Levofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis, pneumonia, chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the prostate.

Levofloxacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levofloxacin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.

Before taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• diabetes;

• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Levofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years old. Levofloxacin may interfere with bone development in a child.