BRAND NAMES
FLUOROQUINOLONES
CIPROFLOXACIN- Cipro,
Cipro XR,
Proquin XR, ENOXACIN-
Penetrex
GEMIFLOXACIN-
Factive
LEVOFLOXACIN-
Levaquin
LOMEFLOXACIN-
Maxaquin
MOXIFLOXACIN-
Avelox
NORFLOXACIN-
Noroxin
OFLOXACIN-
Floxin
SPARFLOXACIN-
Zagam
TROVAFLOXACIN-
Trovan
BASIC LEVAQUIN INFO
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Antibacterial
LEVAQUIN MEDICAL USES
Treats a wide range of bacteria that may cause diarrhea, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis and bone infections.
- Treatment for specific agents that could be used in biologic warfare.
MEDICAL DOSAGE & LEVAQUIN USAGE
How to take Levaquin:
- Tablet: Take Levaquin with full glass of water.
- Take enoxacin and ofloxacin on an empty stomach. Others may be taken with or without meals.
-Extended release tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break or chew tablet.
- Oral and otic suspension: Take as directed on label.
When to take Levaquin:
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As directed by your doctor.
If you forget a dose of Levaquin:
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Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What Levaquin does:
- Destroys bacteria that are infecting the body.
Time lapse before drug works:
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1 to 2 weeks for most infections, but some infections may take 6 weeks or more for cure.
Don't take with:
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Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
 LEVAQUIN OVERDOSE |
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 SYMPTOMS:
Confusion and hallucinations, headache,
Abdominal pain, convulsions.
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 LEVAQUIN SIDE EFFECTS
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Life-threatening:
Hives, rash, intense itching, faintness after a dose (anaphylaxis).
Common Levaquin Side Effects: Spariloxacin may
cause fainting, slow,
irregular heart rate. Mild stomach
discomfort, nausea,
dizziness, drowsiness,
nervousness, insomnia,
headache, vaginal
discharge or pain,
lightheadedness,
Mild diarrhea.
Infrequent Levaquin Side Effects:
Skin (itching, red, blisters, burning, rash, swelling, and peeling).
Rare Levaquin Side Effects:
Abdominal pain or cramps or tenderness, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, tremors, shortness of breath, sweating, swelling (neck, face, calves or legs), pale stools, bloody or dark or cloudy urine, joint or calf pain, diarrhea, tired or weak feeling, tendon problems (inflammation, pain, rupture), yellow eyes or skin, seizures, fast or irregular heartbeat, vomiting, fever.
Appetite loss, dreams
Abnormal, muscle or
Back pain, skin sensitive
to sun, sore mouth or
tongue, vision problems,
vaginal infection, taste
changes, flushing.
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 | PRECAUTIONS
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Don't take Levaquin if:
- You are allergic to fluoroquinolones or quinolone derivatives.
Before you start, consult your doctor If:
- You have any disorder of the central nervous system such as epilepsy or stroke.
- You have had sun sensitivity or tendinitis.
- You have diabetes or liver, kidney or heart disease.
Over age 60:
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No special problems expected.
Pregnancy:
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Decide with your doctor if drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.
Breast-feeding:
-
Drug passes into milk.
- Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine.
- Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
Infants & children:
- Levaquin is normally not recommended for ages under 18.
Prolonged use:
- Levaquin is usually not prescribed for long-term use.
Skin & sunlight:
-
One or more drugs in this group may cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or ultraviolet light (photosensitivity reaction).
- Avoid overexposure.
- Notify doctor if reaction occurs.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
-
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you.
- Don't work around dangerous machinery.
- Don't climb ladders or work in high places.
- Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.
Discontinuing:
-
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor or completing prescribed dosage.
- Call doctor if symptoms occur after you stop drug (such as stomach cramps, fever, swelling, and calf pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody).
Others:
- Serious liver problems associated with use of trovafloxacin; can lead to liver transplantation and/or death. Close medical supervision a must.
- May affect accuracy of some medical tests.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- If tendon problems develop, rest and refrain from exercise.
- Drink plenty of fluids while taking drug.
- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
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