Levofloxacin

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Uses

Levofloxacin is used in the treatment of different type of bacterial infections such as pneumonia, throat and lung infections, sinus infection, kidney and urinary tract infection, skin and soft tissue infection.

Contraindications

When should one not use Levofloxacin

If you are allergic to Levofloxacin or any other ingredients of this medicine
If you are allergic to class of medicines called Fluoroquinolone
If you have history of fits and seizures (epilepsy)
If you have problems related to tendons (tendonitis)
If your age is less than 18 years
If you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby or if you are breastfeeding

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Sleeping disorder
Headache
Dizziness
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Nausea
Itching
Rashes

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Do not take Levofloxacin if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby. If you conceive while taking this medicine, stop taking this medicine immediately and inform your doctor.

Breast Feeding

It is not known if Levofloxacin can pass into human breast milk, however fluoroquinolones can pass into human breast milk and harm your child. Hence breast-feeding should be discontinued while you are taking this medicine or ask your doctor for another medicine.

Driving

You may experience drowsiness, dizziness and visual disturbances when you are taking Levofloxacin. Thus, you should avoid driving or use any tools or machines.

Alcohol

You should avoid drinking excessive alcohol while taking Levofloxacin, as alcohol may worsen the side effects like drowsiness or dizziness.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have diabetes, history of fits, brain injury or you are an elderly.
You have heart diseases, history of heart attack, slow heart rate, salt imbalance.
You have kidney or liver disease.
You have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (an inherited disorder that affects red blood cells).
You have myasthenia gravis a condition of muscle weakness.
This medicine can cause muscle weakness and breathing disorders.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Levofloxacin works by preventing bacterial growth by interfering with the action specific enzymes in bacteria like DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV that helps in DNA replication in bacteria.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Medicines containing steroids, blood thinners like warfarin, theophylline and painkillers such as aspirin, ibruprofen may interact with the action of Levofloxacin.
Medicines that alter heart rhythm like quinidine, medicines used to treat brain disorders, antibiotics like erythromycin and immunomodulators such as ciclosporin should be used cautiously.
Medicines containing aluminium, magnesium or sucralfate should be taken with a minimum gap of 2 hours with Levofloxacin.
Other medicines such as methotrexate, cimentidine, probenicid which can affect your kidney function should be used cautiously.

Interactions with food items

Avoid taking this medicine with orange juice.
Dietary supplements that contain iron may affect the way this medicine works, therefore, this medicine should be taken two hours prior or after having any product that contains iron.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose of Levofloxacin includes confusion, dizziness, impairment of consciousness, fits, nausea. Contact your doctor immediately in case of overdose, or rush to the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

For optimum effect, doses of antibiotics should not be missed. If you missed any dose of this medicine take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Levofloxacin can interact with other medicines hence inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines especially supplements or herbs. Also inform your doctor if you are stopping any medicine.

Avoid going out in the sun. Wear a protective covering or use a sunscreen (SPF 30 or 40) to prevent sunburn. If you experience pain, swelling of a tendon, or weakness or inability to use one of your joints; rest and refrain from exercise; and discontinue levofloxacin treatment immediately. Report the same to your doctor.If you experience sudden chest or back or stomach pain, seek medical help immediately.Have plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet.

No, you should not stop taking medicine in the middle of the treatment, doing so may cause reinfection or bacterial resistance. Antibiotic should be taken for the complete prescribed duration.

No, it is unsafe to take Levofloxacin in pregnancy. If you conceive while taking this medicine, stop taking this medicine immediately and inform your doctor.

Yes, you may experience diarrhoea after taking this medicine as it is an antibiotic. It can affect the normal bacterial flora of your gut along with the harmful bacteria. If you have severe diarrhoea, reach out to your doctor.

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