Levaquin Description
Levaquin is an antibiotic drug used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is also listed under the generic name levofloxacin, but it is not sold generically. It is a prescription antibiotic that requires a doctor's order to obtain. Levaquin is often used to treat infections that do not respond to other bacterial infections, including antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections.
Levaquin is a member of the class of drugs called flouroquinolones, and is related to several other drugs including Cipro, Noroxin, Floxin, Maxaquin, and Trovan. Patients who have had difficulty with these drugs or an allergic reaction to one of them must inform their doctor before taking Levaquin.
Levaquin is used to treat a variety of types of infections; these include:
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Lung and airway infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney infections
• Diarrhea caused by E. coli, shigella, and campylobacter jejuni
• Obstetric infections such as mastitis
Levaquin Prescription
Levaquin may be given in tablet form or in the form of an oral solution. Tablet regimens are typically 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg and the drug is normally taken only once daily. It is not recommended for children under 18 as Levaquin use can affect bone and joint growth. In the oral solution Levaquin is given in doses of 25 mg per mL. The size of the prescribed dosage is relative to the type of infection being treated (urinary infections are normally 250 mg, most respiratory infections are 500 mg, more complicated infections are 750 mg).
The common dosage schedule for Levaquin is seven to ten days of use, but some uses require less or more days.
Levaquin Side Effects And Other important Information
The most common side effects associated with Levaquin use are:
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sleeping abnormalities
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
There are a number of very rare and sometimes severe side effects as well, so anything abnormal should be reported to the prescribing doctor. In the case of very serious side effects patients should stop using the medication until they seek medical advice.
Levaquin can cause allergic reaction, so any signs of allergy must be reported; patients with allergies to any of the other flouroquinolones need to discuss the safety of taking Levaquin with their doctor.
Other drugs can affect or be affected by Levaquin use. Even over the counter medications can impact drug effectiveness, particularly those containing calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Antacids and products containing any of these minerals must be reported to the prescribing doctor.
