Levoquin

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

cerebral disease

rregular heartbeat

kidney disease

seizure disorder

an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

arsenic trioxide

chloroquine

droperidol

medicines for irregular heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol

some medicines for depression or mental problems like phenothiazines, pimozide, and ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

amoxapine

cisapride

dairy products

didanosine (ddI) buffered tablets or powder

haloperidol

multivitamins

retinoid products like tretinoin or isotretinoin

risperidone

some other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin

sucralfate

theophylline

warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Drink several glasses of water a day and cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. You must not get dehydrated while taking this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.
If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reading stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.
Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.
Avoid antacids, calcium, iron, and zinc products for 4 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

changes in vision

confusion, nightmares or hallucinations

difficulty breathing

rregular heartbeat, chest pain

joint, muscle or tendon pain

pain or difficulty passing urine

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

seizures

unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness

vaginal irritation, discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea

dry mouth

headache

stomach upset, nausea

trouble sleeping

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in a tightly closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.