Information about Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) :


Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. This medicine kills sensitive bacteria. Levofloxacin may also be administered to prevent or slow the progression of anthrax after exposure.

You should not use Levofloxacin in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Levofloxacin or any other quinolone; antibiotic (eg, ciprofloxacin); you have a certain type of irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation; long QT syndrome) or low blood potassium levels; you are taking cisapride or certain antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Levofloxacin:
Before using Levofloxacin you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you or a family member have a history of fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; chest pain; angina; or heart attack; you have other heart problems (eg, heart failure, enlarged heart), diabetes, kidney problems, tendon problems (eg, inflammation), or Alzheimer disease; you have narrowed or hardened blood vessels in the brain, increased pressure in the brain, nervous system problems, or a history of seizures (eg, epilepsy); you sunburn easily or you will be in the sun for a prolonged period of time.

Be aware that Levofloxacin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide, quinidine), arsenic, astemizolecisapride, dofetilide, droperidol, haloperidol, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), methadone, paliperidone, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), pimozide, ranolazine, serotonin receptor antagonists (eg, dolasetron), telithromycin, terfenadine, or ziprasidone because the risk of serious heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may be increased; insulin or oral diabetes medicines (eg, glyburide) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased; corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because the risk of tendon problems may be increased; anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) or theophylline because the risk of serious side effects, including seizures, may be increased; serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Levofloxacin.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Levofloxacin:
Use this medicine as recommended by your doctor. Levofloxacin should be usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic at the same time each day. In case you will be using Levofloxacin at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Follow the procedures strictly.

Avoid using Levofloxacin in case it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged. Take Levofloxacin regularly at the same time each day. Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

In case you miss a dose of Levofloxacin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Levofloxacin usage may lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Try to avoid such activities.

Consult with your doctor immediately if you experience severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps or bloody stools. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.

Levofloxacin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Be aware that it is not effective for treatment of viral infections (eg, the common cold).

Use Levofloxacin for the full course of treatment, as any failures may decrease the effectiveness of Levofloxacin and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Levofloxacin and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.

Long-term or repeated use of Levofloxacin may lead to a second infection. Consult with your doctor in case signs of a second infection take place.

Tendon problems may rarely occur while taking Levofloxacin. Some of these problems have been severe. Consult with your doctor immediately in case you experience pain or swelling of a joint or tendon.

Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths, as you may become sunburned more easily while taking Levofloxacin. It is recommended to use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

In case you are going to receive a typhoid vaccine while you are taking Levofloxacin, consult with your doctor, as the effectiveness of vaccine may be decreased by Levofloxacin.

Diabetes patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely, as Levofloxacin may affect your blood sugar. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Levofloxacin usage may affect certain lab tests. Notify your doctor and lab personnel that you are using Levofloxacin.

Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood counts, may be performed while you are using Levofloxacin. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

The ELDERLY are likely to be more sensitive to effects of Levofloxacin (especially tendon problems and irregular heartbeat). Use Levofloxacin with caution in this group.

Do not use Levofloxacin in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old, as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved. Children may also be more sensitive to joint and tendon problems.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Levofloxacin while pregnancy. It is known that Levofloxacin passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while taking Levofloxacin.

Possible side effects of Levofloxacin:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: diarrhea; dizziness; gas; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach pain.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased or painful urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; hoarseness; joint or muscle pain or weakness; mental or mood changes (eg, depression, anxiety, paranoia); new or worsening nightmares, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, or weakness; severe sunburn; shortness of breath; stomach pain/cramps; suicidal thoughts or actions; symptoms of high or low blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; fast breathing; flushing; dizziness; fainting; increased sweating; vision changes); symptoms of nerve problems (eg, unusual pain, burning, tingling, or numbness; changes in perception or heat or cold; decreased sensation of touch); tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; vaginal discharge, irritation, or odor; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.