Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is an antibiotic which is indicated to treat bacterial infections. With the help of Levaquin (Levofloxacin) the multiplication of bacteria can be stopped by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material, DNA. Levaquin (Levofloxacin) belongs to a class of antibiotics that are known as fluoroquinolones. This class of fluoroquinolones also includes few other drugs that are ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, etc. Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is indicated in adults who are at least 18 years old.
Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is available in the form of tablets, injections and oral solution. Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is not indicated in persons who are hypersensitive to the medicine or to this class of antibiotics or to any content of the drug, in hypokalmia, persons having prolonged QT interval, etc. Care should be taken while prescribing Levaquin (Levofloxacin) in individuals suffering with proarrhythmic condition; with kidney, heart or lung complaints; with renal impairment, in seizure disorder, in CNS disorder, in dehydration, in diabetes mellitus, etc.
In case a dose of Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is missed then it should be taken as soon as you remember. In case the time of the next dose is approaching then the missed dose can be skipped and the usual dosing schedule can be continued. Avoid doubling of the doses. In case of been overdosed by Levaquin (Levofloxacin), the person should seek immediate medical attention. Severe dizziness can be the symptom of overdose by Levaquin (Levofloxacin).
Avoid sharing Levaquin (Levofloxacin) with anyone else. This medication should not be used without the consultation of the physician and should not be taken for any other infection later. A separate medication may be required later for that condition. When using this medicine, regular laboratory or medical tests should be done so as to assess the progress for side effects.
Avoid driving or operating any machinery or performing any other activities which require mental alertness or coordination when on Levaquin (Levofloxacin) as Levaquin (Levofloxacin) can cause dizziness and lightheaded. The person taking Levaquin (Levofloxacin) should further avoid tanning beds and should restrict the time of exposure to the sun as Levaquin (Levofloxacin) an make the skin sensitive to sun. The person can also experience severe sun burn, blisters or swelling of the skin.

The routine dose of Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is 250-750 mg which is to be given one time in a day for a period of 5-60 days based on the type of infection. Some medications containing magnesium or aluminum should be taken either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Levaquin (Levofloxacin). Plenty of fluids should be taken while taking this antibiotic. It should be taken at the same time each day.

Side effects experienced while taking Levaquin (Levofloxacin) are vomiting, nausea, headache, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, pain in abdomen, rash, itching, inflammation of colon, sensitivity of skin, joint pain, chest pain, dark urine, sore throat, cramping on abdomen, mucus in stools, loss of appetite, weakness, etc.

Substances that contain iron, zinc, calcium or magnesium should be taken minimum 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Levaquin (Levofloxacin) as these substances prevent the absorption of Levaquin (Levofloxacin) from the intestine into the blood. Other drugs that interfere with the action of Levaquin (Levofloxacin) are sucralfate and didanosine. Non striodal anti inflammatory drugs if taken along with Levaquin (Levofloxacin) may accelerate the risk of CNS stimulation.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you dont remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses

Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is prescribed in the management of infections of the skin, ears, bones, sinus, lungs, and joints that are caused by susceptible bacteria. It is further used in the management of urinary infections; prostratitis; infectious diarrhoeas that are caused by E.coli, Shigella and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria. Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is indicated in several obstetric infections like mastitis.

Levaquin (Levofloxacin) should be stored far from light, moisture and should be stored at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F.

• Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is not to be used in pregnancy or in breast feeding mothers.
• Inform your physician in case you are sensitive to Levaquin (Levofloxacin) or any other quinolones.
• Keep your physician informed regarding your medical history.
• Avoid activities that require mental alertness while taking Levaquin (Levofloxacin)
• Intake of alcohol should be limited.
• Prolong exposure to sun, tanning in sun or sunlamps should be avoided.
• Care should be taken when prescribing this drug in the elderly.