Generic Levaquin [Levofloxacin] Information
Drug Name
Levaquin (Levofloxacin)
Generic Levaquin Uses
Generic Levaquin - Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints, caused by susceptible bacteria. Generic Levaquin - Levofloxacin also is frequently used to treat urinary infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics, as well as prostatitis. Levofloxacin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas, caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria. Levofloxacin - generic Levaquin also can be used to treat various obstetric infections, including mastitis.
How is Generic Levaquin Taken
Generic Levaquin - Levofloxacin usually is given once daily. It is important to take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid, or mineral supplement with iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium since these minerals bind levofloxacin and prevent its absorption.
Generic Levaquin Drug Class and Mechanism
Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Levofloxacin - generic Levaquin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). It is in a class of antibiotics, called fluoroquinolones, a class that includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and lomefloxacin (Maxaquin). Generic Levaquin - Levofloxacin was approved by the FDA in 1996.
Generic Levaquin Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Generic Levaquin Storage
Generic Levaquin - Levofloxacin is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Levofloxacin at home, store Levofloxacin - generic Levaquin as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Levofloxacin out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Warnings/Precautions
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Generic Levaquin - Levofloxacin 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. Levofloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Levofloxacin - generic Levaquin is not recommended for use in pregnant women since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species. Generic Levaquin is not recommended for use in lactating women since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species. In fact, levofloxacin is not recommended in persons under the age of 18 years.
Generic Levaquin Possible Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects are nausea or vomiting (1 out of every 12 persons), diarrhea (1 out 20), headache (1 out 20), and constipation (1 out of 30). Less common side effects include difficulty sleeping, dizziness, abdominal pain, rash, abdominal gas, and itching.
