About LEVAQUIN
What is LEVAQUIN?
LEVAQUIN is a quinolone antibiotic used in adults to treat lung, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections caused by certain germs called bacteria. LEVAQUIN kills many of the types of bacteria that can infect the lungs, sinuses, skin, and urinary tract and has been shown in a large number of clinical trials to be safe and effective for the treatment of many bacterial infections.
Levaquin
levofloxacin (leev oh FLOX a sin)
Take all of the Levaquin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent the formation of Levaquin crystals in the urine.
• Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of Levaquin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of Levaquin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• The most common symptom of a Levaquin overdose is seizures.
What should I avoid while taking Levaquin?
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Levaquin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. If sun exposure is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Levaquin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
LEVAQUIN ® (levofloxacin) is a synthetic broad spectrum antibacterial agent for oral and intravenous administration. Chemically, levofloxacin, a chiral fluorinated carboxyquinolone, is the pure (-)-( S)-enantiomer of the racemic drug substance ofloxacin. The chemical name is (-)-( S)-9-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-( 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido[ 1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid hemihydrate.
