Levaquin (Levofloxacin)
Brand Names: Levaquin, Quixin, IquixRelated Medications: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Ofloxacin (Floxin), Besifloxacin (Besivance), Norfloxacin (Noroxin), Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
Doctors often prescribe their patients to take Levaquin if they need to treat different bacterial infections. Basically, this medicine belongs to a group of meds called quinolone antibiotics, and it acts by stopping the growth of harmful bacteria. This means that this treatment is not effective against viral infections, and people should understand that the misuse of Levaquin will result in its reduced effectiveness in the future.
It’s necessary to take this medicine orally, usually only once a day, either with or without meals, and users also need to drink enough water. The length of their treatment, just like regular doses, depends on a certain health condition and a few other factors. In most cases patients are prescribed to take Levaquin 2 hours after or before taking those products that may bind to it, thus, reducing its effectiveness.
When using Levaquin some patients may develop unwanted symptoms, including:
However, they are rare and most users don’t develop any of them at all. Prolonged intake of Levaquin may result in oral thrush characterized by such symptoms as vaginal discharge. This medication is also associated with some rare adverse effects, such as:
Before they start using Levaquin, patients need to inform their physicians about important pre-existing conditions, including allergies, heart issues, diabetes, tendon and joint conditions, kidney problems, nerve diseases, myasthenia gravis, seizures, brain tumors, etc. The intake of this medicine may make them feel dizzy and lightheaded, so that it’s not advisable to drive or do other things that demand their full attentiveness. Moreover, patients need to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages and monitor their blood sugar levels on a regular basis. Another basic fact is that Levaquin can make them more sensitive to the sun, so that they should avoid any prolonged sun exposure and use effective sun screens. Older users are more prone to developing certain side effects, while nursing and pregnant females should avoid this treatment due to possible risks.
Levaquin shouldn’t be combined with certain meds because they reduce its effectiveness and increase the likelihood of adverse effects. For instance, patients shouldn’t combine it with any pharmaceutical products that contain calcium, aluminum and magnesium, narcotic pain relievers, anti-diarrhea pills, live bacterial vaccines, NSAIDs, MAO inhibitors, birth control pills and a few others. Finally, Levaquin may affectlabtest results.
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