Levofloxacin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Levaquin

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

For patients with an abnormally slow heartbeat: Levofloxacin may increase your risk of experiencing a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat

If you are taking aluminum-, calcium-, or magnesium-containing antacids, iron supplements, sucralfate, or zinc, do not take them at the same time that you take this medicine . It is best to take these medicines at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking levofloxacin. These medicines may keep levofloxacin from working properly.

Some people who take levofloxacin may become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause severe sunburn or skin rash, redness, itching, or discoloration . When you begin taking this medicine:

• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
• Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
• Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
• Do not use a sun lamp or tanning bed or booth.

If you get a skin rash or other signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking levofloxacin and check with your doctor .

Levofloxacin may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert . If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

Levofloxacin may cause pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon. If you experience these symptoms in your hands, shoulders, or calves, stop taking levofloxacin and check with your doctor right away . Refrain from exercise until your doctor says otherwise.

For diabetic patients taking insulin or diabetes medicine by mouth: Levofloxacin may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some patients. Symptoms of low blood sugar must be treated before they lead to unconsciousness (passing out) . Different people may feel different symptoms of low blood sugar. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, stop taking levofloxacin and check with your doctor right away:

• Symptoms of low blood sugar can include: Anxious feeling, behavior change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool pale skin, difficulty in concentrating, drowsiness, excessive hunger, headache, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, shakiness, unusual tiredness or weakness.

For patients with low potassium levels: Levofloxacin may increase your risk of experiencing a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat