Levofloxacin

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that that may be used to treat different types of bacterial infections. Levofloxacin may also be used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague.

Introduction #

Generic name: Levofloxacin (oral)

Brand name: Levaquin

Storage : Store below 30°C

Drug class: Quinolones

Uses #

Treatment of Bacterial infections

Benefits #

• Levoflox 500 Tablet is an antibiotic medicine which can be used to treat different infections caused by bacteria.

• These include infections of the ear, nose, throat, lungs, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues in adults and children. It works by killing and stopping the growth of the bacteria causing the infection.

• This medicine usually makes you feel better quite quickly. However, you should continue taking it as long as it is prescribed even when you feel better, to make sure that all bacteria are killed and do not become resistant.

Directions to use #

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Levoflox 500 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Avoid Levoflox 500 Tablet with dairy products such as milk, cheese, curd, butter, paneer and ice cream.

How it works? #

Levoflox 500 Tablet is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby killing them.

Side effects #

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to levofloxacin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Levofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, side effects on your nerves (which may cause permanent nerve damage), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have

• Low blood sugar–headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, or feeling anxious or shaky;

• Nerve symptoms in your hands, arms, legs, or feet–numbness, weakness, tingling, burning pain;

• Serious mood or behavior changes-nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or

• Signs of tendon rupture-sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions).

Stop taking levofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody

• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out)

• The first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild

• Muscle weakness, breathing problems

• Seizure (convulsions)

• Increased pressure inside the skull–severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes

• Liver problems–upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of levofloxacin may include the following

• Nausea, constipation, diarrhea

• Headache, dizziness

• Trouble sleeping.

Warnings #

• Levofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

• Stop using levofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as: headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints.

• In rare cases, levofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, which could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.