Levaquin

Levaquin is prescribed to treat various types of infections, including:

1. Respiratory Tract Infections: Medicine can be used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
2. Urinary Tract Infections: It is effective against urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
3. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Levaquin may be prescribed for skin infections, such as cellulitis, or wound infections.
4. Prostatitis: It can be used to treat bacterial infections of the prostate gland.
5. Anthrax Exposure: In some cases, Levaquin is used as part of the treatment regimen for individuals exposed to anthrax.

Levaquin is available in different forms, including tablets, oral solution, and intravenous (IV) injection. The specific dosage, duration of treatment, and frequency of administration will depend on the type and severity of the infection, as well as other individual factors.

How to use

Here are some general guidelines on how to use Levaquin:

1. Timing: Take medicine at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. It is often recommended to take it once daily.
2. Swallowing: Take tablets with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablets, as they are designed to release the medication slowly.
3. Oral Solution: If you are taking the oral solution form of Levaquin, carefully measure the prescribed dose using a special measuring device or spoon.
4. Complete the Course: It is important to complete the full course of Levaquin treatment as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve before the treatment duration is over. Stopping the medication too early can lead to the recurrence of the infection or the development of antibiotic resistance.
5. Interactions: Be cautious of any potential drug interactions with Levaquin.

Dosage

The following are general dosage guidelines for Levaquin:

Adults:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: The usual recommended dose is 500 mg once daily for 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the infection.
• Urinary Tract Infections: The typical dose is 250 mg once daily for 3 days.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: The usual dosage is 500 mg once daily for 7 to 14 days.
• Prostatitis: The recommended dose is 500 mg once daily for 28 days.
• Inhalational Anthrax: The dosage may vary.

Children:

• Levaquin is generally not recommended for children under 18 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been well-established in this population. Alternative antibiotics are usually preferred for pediatric patients.

It is essential to take the prescribed dosage as directed and to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better before the treatment period is over. Skipping doses or stopping the medication prematurely can lead to incomplete eradication of the infection and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Side effects

Levaquin may cause certain side effects. While not everyone will experience these side effects, it is important to be aware of them. Common side effects can include:

1. Nausea and Vomiting: You may experience feelings of nausea or vomiting while taking Levaquin. Taking the medication with food can help alleviate these symptoms.
2. Diarrhea: Some individuals may develop diarrhea during treatment with Levaquin. It is important to stay hydrated.
3. Headache: Headaches are a possible side effect of this drug. If the headaches are severe or persistent, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
4. Dizziness: Levofloxacin can sometimes cause dizziness or lightheadedness. It is important to be cautious when performing activities that require mental alertness or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.
5. Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or insomnia can occur in some individuals taking Levaquin.
6. Skin Sensitivity: Medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to an increased risk of sunburn. It is recommended to use sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen when outdoors.
7. Joint or Muscle Pain: In rare cases, Levaquin may cause joint or muscle pain.
8. Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Levaquin. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Storage

When it comes to storing Levaquin, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines to ensure the medication remains effective and safe to use. Here are some general storage instructions:

1. Temperature: Store tablets at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold, as well as direct sunlight.
2. Moisture: Keep the medication in a dry place. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or any area with high humidity, as moisture can degrade the medication.
3. Original Packaging: Store Levaquin in its original packaging, such as the blister pack or bottle provided by the pharmacy. This helps protect the medication from light and moisture.
4. Childproof Container: Keep medicine in a childproof container and store it out of reach of children and pets. This is important to prevent accidental ingestion.
5. Do Not Transfer: Do not transfer tablets to different containers, especially if they are not properly labeled. This can lead to confusion and potential misuse.
6. Proper Closure: Ensure that the medication container is tightly closed after each use to maintain its integrity.
7. Disposal: Do not dispose of it in household trash or flush it down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of Levofloxacin, it is important to seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. An overdose of Levaquin can lead to an increased risk of experiencing severe side effects.

If you suspect an overdose, here are some general measures you can take:

1. Call for Help: Contact emergency services immediately. Inform them about the situation and provide details about the medication and the amount ingested, if known.
2. Follow Medical Advice: Follow any instructions given by medical professionals or emergency services. They may provide specific guidance based on the severity of the overdose and your condition.
3. Provide Information: Provide as much information as possible about the medication, including the strength, formulation, and amount taken.
4. Medical Monitoring: You may need to undergo medical monitoring to assess your vital signs, administer any necessary treatments, and manage potential complications.

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention in case of an overdose, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. An overdose of Levaquin can have serious consequences and requires professional evaluation and management.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose of Levaquin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Here are some additional guidelines for managing missed doses of Levaquin:

1. Set Reminders: To help prevent missed doses, consider setting reminders such as alarms or using medication reminder apps.
2. Stay on Schedule: Try to take your doses at the same time each day. This can help maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body and maximize its effectiveness.
3. Complete the Full Course: It is important to complete the full course of Levaquin treatment, even if you miss a dose. Skipping doses or stopping the medication prematurely may result in incomplete treatment and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

 Levaquin (pdf)