Levofloxacin is used to treat certain bacterial infections (eg pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, skin infections, prostatitis, kidney infection and urinary tract infection). It is also used to prevent anthrax, traveler's diarrhea and fever in certain patients. Levofloxacin can sometimes be used to treat endocarditis, sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis.
What is Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin kills sensitive bacteria by inhibiting the replication and transcription of their DNA.
How should Levofloxacin be taken?
Levofloxacin is typically administered once a day via oral route.
Side effects associated with Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin may increase sensitivity to sunlight. It can also cause nerve damage (sometimes permanent). In children, it can cause problems in the bones, joints and tissues around the joints.
Among the other possible side effects of levofloxacin include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Itching or vaginal discharge
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Blistering or peeling of the skin
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fainting
- Loss of consciousness
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Decreased urination
- Convulsions
- Bleeding or bruising
- Muscle or joint aches
- Severe diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Feeling that others want to hurt you
- Insomnia
- Strange dreams or nightmares
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Tremors
- Suicidal thoughts
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin may be contraindicated in cases involving certain heart problems and low levels of potassium in the blood.
In cases of treatment with antacids, aluminum/magnesium hydroxide, didanosine, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron/zinc; it is recommended to take these medications two hours before or two hours after taking levofloxacin.
Before starting treatment with levofloxacin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs (in particular to other antibiotics), food and various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: anticoagulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, cyclosporine, diuretics, insulin and oral antidiabetic agents, drugs for irregular heartbeat, Fans, tacrolimus or theophylline
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from QT prolongation, irregular heartbeat, nerve problems, low potassium levels in the blood, slow heart rate, cerebral arteriosclerosis, seizures, chest pain or liver disease
- You have a family history of QT prolongation or irregular heartbeat
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Levofloxacin may affect the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery.
