Levaquin 500mg tablets (Generic Equivalent)

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Levaquin fights bacteria in the body. Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, or prostate. It is also used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis or pneumonia, and to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax. Levaquin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.

You should not use Levaquin if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to levofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Before taking Levaquin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, muscle weakness or trouble breathing, joint problems, seizures, diabetes, low levels of potassium in your blood, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever hadn an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 2 hours before or after you take Levaquin. Levofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles` tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Levaquin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;

sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;

diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

confusion, hallucinations, depression, tremors, feeling restless or anxious, unusual thoughts or behavior, insomnia, nightmares, seizure (convulsions);

pale skin, fever, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding;

upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

urinating less than usual or not at all;

numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;

the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or

severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious Levaquin side effects may include:

mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting;

dizziness;

nausea, vomiting;

headache, dizziness; or

vaginal itching or discharge.

Take Levaquin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take Levaquin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking Levaquin. You may take Levaquin tablets with or without food. Take Levaquin oral solution (liquid) on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Levaquin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Levaquin can cause you to have a false positive drug screening test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the laboratory staff that you are taking Levaquin.

Store Levaquin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.