Levaquin
Generic Name:
Levofloxacin
Brand Names:
Levaquin, Levaquin Leva-Pak
Levaquin Description:
Marketed by Ortho-McNeil, Levaquin is a synthetic antibacterial drug (fluoroquinolone) used for the treatment of lung, sinus, skin and urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria in adults 18 years or older.
Levaquin is available as a tablet in three different strengths, as an oral solution and as an injection. While it is effective against bacterial infections, Levaquin will not treat infections caused by viruses.
Levaquin Side Effects:
Levaquin can cause serious side effects including:
- Liver damage (hepatotoxicity)
- Central nervous system effects
- Allergic reactions
- Skin rashes
- Intestinal infection (pseudomembranous colitis)
- Changes in sensations indicating possible nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
- Serious heart rhythm changes
- Blood sugar changes
- Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
- Joint problems
For more information, see our Levaquin side effects page.
Levaquin Uses:
Levaquin is used to treat a number of respiratory, skin, kidney and urinary tract infections. Respiratory infections commonly treated by Levaquin include acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, hospital-acquired (nosocomial) pneumonia and community-acquired pneumonia.
Skin infections commonly treated include complicated skin and skin structure infections (a deep soft tissue infection such as skin ulcers, deep wound infections, major abscess, and even cellulites), uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (a bacterial infection affecting the surface of the skin such as a boil, furuncle, carbuncle, cellulitis, impetigo, and wound infections).
Kidney and urinary tract infections commonly treated include acute pyelonephritis (the inflammation or infection of one or both kidneys), chronic prostatitis (the inflammation of the male prostate gland), and urinary tract infections (an infection involving kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra in both men and women).
Levaquin is also prescribed to individuals who have been exposed to Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) as an aid to reduce the progression of the bacterial infection. Although not thoroughly tested in humans, the study of Levaquin’s effect against anthrax has resulted in possible clinical benefits for this use.
Levaquin Interactions:
Certain medications may interact with Levaquin and patients taking medications including blood thinners, oral steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs or insulation and diabetes medication should inform their doctor of the use of these drugs prior to using Levaquin.
Levaquin Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Levaquin can be taken orally in tablet or oral solution form, or as an injection or intravenously.
- Tablets are available in 250mg, 500mg, and 750mg film-coated tablets and can be taken with or without food.
- Oral solution is a 25mg/mL multi-use aqueous solution that should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
- Injections come in a single-use vial.
Levaquin should be administered exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider with no deviations. It is important to take your dose at around the same time daily.
Missing a Dose:
Should you forget a dose, take it as soon as you can but do not take more than one dose in a day. You should stay well hydrated with fluids while taking Levaquin. Do not skip a dose, even if you are feeling better. Continue taking Levaquin until your prescribed treatment is complete. This will ensure that the bacteria have been effectively killed.
Overdosing:
If an overdose on Levaquin occurs, it is wise to immediately seek medical care. Symptoms of an overdose include difficulty breathing, sweating, seizures, loss of coordination, tremors and feeling of weakness.
Levaquin FDA Approval:
Yes
Levaquin Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In July 2008, the FDA required a black box warning noting the increased risk of tendinitis and tendon ruptures for Levaquin. Patients taking the medication must also receive a Medication Guide, highlighting the potential side effect associated with tendon damage.
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