Tablet

Janssen Ortho Pharmaceuticals, Novopharm

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is used to treat adults with mild, moderate, and severe infections caused by certain bacteria.

Do not take Levaquin (levofloxacin) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Levaquin (levofloxacin) or to similar medications. Levaquin (levofloxacin) is also contraindicated in persons with a history of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with the use of any member of the quinolone group of antimicrobial agents.

Before using Levaquin (levofloxacin), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have a significantly slow heart rate, an enlarged heart, or other heart problems if you have hardening of the arteries in the brain if you have impaired kidney function if you have diabetes if you have a history of seizures or convulsions if you are taking warfarin if you have any other medical condition. Drink plenty of water to prevent the formation of highly concentrated urine.

Before taking Levaquin (levofloxacin), tell you doctor if you have brain or spinal cord disease, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, sensitivity of the skin to sunlight or tendinitis.

Other:  Genital infection; changes in taste; fungal infection; genital itching; oral infection; nervousness; tendon pain or swelling; sinus inflammation; tiredness; back pain; runny nose; sensitivity to sunlight.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Levaquin (levofloxacin) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with Levaquin (levofloxacin) and reread it each time you get your prescription refilled. Levaquin (levofloxacin) may be taken without regard to meals. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Levaquin (levofloxacin). Do not use medicines like ibuprofen (or other anti-inflammatory medicines) while taking Levaquin (levofloxacin). Over-the-counter medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium, iron, or sucralfate, and multivitamin supplements with zinc or didanosine should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Levaquin (levofloxacin). Stop taking Levaquin (levofloxacin) and talk with your doctor if you experience pain, inflammation, or swelling of a tendon. Get plenty of rest and stop exercising until your doctor has determined the cause. Stop taking Levaquin (levofloxacin) and contact your health care provider at once if any of the following occur: Skin rash, hives or other skin reactions; rapid heartbeat; difficulty swallowing or breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; tightness of the throat; hoarseness; any other sign of an allergic reaction. Continue use until all of the prescribed medicine has been taken. Failure to take all of Levaquin (levofloxacin) may prevent complete elimination of the bacteria, allowing the infection to return. Long-term or repeated use of Levaquin (levofloxacin) may cause a second infection. You may need to stop receiving Levaquin (levofloxacin) and start another medication to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or blood in the stool occurs, immediately contact your health care provider. This could be a sign of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without talking to your doctor. Levaquin (levofloxacin) may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Levaquin (levofloxacin) may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or to other forms of ultraviolet light (including tanning beds). Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar regularly while taking Levaquin (levofloxacin) with an antidiabetic medicine. Stop using Levaquin (levofloxacin) and talk with your doctor at once if a reaction caused by low blood sugar occurs. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Levaquin (levofloxacin). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Levaquin (levofloxacin) between 59 and 86 degrees F. Keep container tightly closed.