Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Levofloxacin

Levofloxacin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Levofloxacin?

Levofloxacin is a prescription antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The drug cannot be used for treating viral infections.

Oral and intravenous formulations of Levofloxacin are available. They are used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, urinary tract, and prostate gland. Levofloxacin is also available as eye drops and is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.

What Are the Uses of Levofloxacin?

Levofloxacin is commonly used in the treatment of,

  • Bacterial pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinus infections
  • Prostatitis
  • Infections of the ears and airways
  • Kidney infection
  • Obstetric infections like mastitis

The drug works well in the post-exposure treatment of anthrax and plague. It can also be used as a component of combination therapy (taken along with other medications).

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    What Are the Side-Effects of Levofloxacin?

    Levofloxacin is often related to tendinitis and rupturing of the tendons. The risk is higher in patients above 60 years of age. The most common side effects include headache, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.

    Some people may report abdominal pain, dizziness, gas, and difficulty in sleeping. The drug’s serious side effects are peripheral neuropathy, abnormal heartbeats, liver malfunctioning, damage to the aorta, skin rashes, and hives.

    Children, adolescents, and patients with existing medical conditions related to the central nervous system must be more cautious while taking the medication.

    What is Levofloxacin

    Uses of Levofloxacin

    Side effects of Levofloxacin

    References

    1. https://www.practo.com/medicine-info/levofloxacin-161-api
    2. https://www.rxlist.com/levaquin-drug.htm#indications
    3. https://docprime.com/levoflox-500-mg-tablet-mddp
    4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/levofloxacin-oral-tablet#side-effects
    5. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14495-8235/levofloxacin- oral/levofloxacin-oral/details
    6. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697040.html
    7. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/levofloxacin.html

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Levofloxacin

    The drug works well against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It exhibits significant activity against atypical respiratory pathogens (bacteria that are neither gram-positive nor gram-negative).

    It is active against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumonia and other penicillin-susceptible strains too.

    Levofloxacin is very effective in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, it may cause severe side effects in some individuals. Patients with allergies, kidney-related disorders, problems related to the central nervous system, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers must consult a physician before consumption.

    If you want to know more about Levofloxacin, get in touch with one of our team members.

    Interaction between the drug and alcohol is unknown. Alcohol may worsen the side effects of the drug, such as dizziness and nausea. It is best recommended to take professional advice before consumption.

    Amoxicillin is placed under a class of antibiotics called Penicillin. Interaction with amoxicillin is not present. Consult our experts to know more about different drug interactions.

    Yes. Levofloxacin is a reasonably strong antibiotic. The drug is often reserved for treatment of conditions that are considered "difficult to treat." Studies prove that the drug is highly effective in treating several bacterial infections.

    Follow the doctor’s prescription for drug dosage and general intake methods. In general, the dosage differs based on the condition being treated. The tablet must be taken at the same time every day with a glass of water. You may take the drug a few hours before or after food. For optimal results, do not skip any dose of the medicine.

    It is better to avoid milk and other dairy products a few hours before and after consuming the antibiotic. The calcium present in the milk binds with the drug and prevents complete absorption of the drug.

    Research indicates that Levofloxacin can cause neuropsychiatric effects like acute insomnia and anxiety. In some cases, the condition goes unnoticed. However, the effect may be more evident in older patients. In addition to insomnia, patients may also experience hallucinations.

    Yes. It is used in the treatment of complicated and uncomplicated UTI. Generally, 250 mg /day for seven days is the recommended dosage.

    The symptoms may improve within two or three days. But you must complete the entire course to prevent the infection from coming back. Consult our expert to know more about effective UTI treatments.

    If your physician has prescribed a single dose of Levofloxacin per day, then mornings are a good time. For two doses, take the second dose 12 hours after the first one. Avoid intake of antacids while taking the drug. The calcium in the antacid reacts with antibiotics and interferes with drug absorption.

    For more information on the precautions, uses, dosages and side effects of Levofloxacin, call our medical experts and Yashoda Hospitals.