Levaquin (Levofloxacin)

Mechanism of action:

Levofloxacin falls under the category of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. The medication works by blocking the enzyme bacterial DNA gyrase and prevents replication of bacterial DNA during bacterial growth as well as reproduction. Levofloxacin is found to be active against aerobic gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, chlamydophila species, mycoplasma pneumonia, legionella pneumophila, as well as ureaplasma urealyticum.

How to take Levaquin?

Take a tablet of Levaquin by mouth as per the instructions by doctor, frequently once daily with or without food. You must have plenty of fluids while consuming this tablet unless otherwise directed by your consultant. Levaquin tablet must be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after consuming other medicines or products that may make it work less well. The dose as well as duration of treatment depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. The dose can also depend on weight in children group. If you desire best effects of this antibiotic, you may take it at even intervals.

What if I miss the dose of Levaquin?

If you forget taking a dose of Levaquin tablet, you must take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly the time for your subsequent dose. In this case, you may omit the missed dose and carry on with the approved routine as usual. Avoid doubling up the dose of Levaquin tablets to make up for a missed dose.

What are the ill effects associated with Levaquin?

The common adverse effects associated with this medication may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Moniliasis (Candida infection in mouth, also called thrush)
• Lack of sleep
• Dyspnea
• Rash
• Pruritus
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loose stools
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• As well as heartburn

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Seek medical help right away if you feel anything serious.

What are the drug interactions associated with Levaquin tablet?

Levaquin tablet must not be taken in combination with antacids as absorption of Levofloxacin gets considerably reduced when administered with iron, magnesium or aluminium salts containing antacids. Also the medication must not be given along with medicines like Cimetidine and Probenecid as they slow down the renal tubular secretion thus lowering the renal excretion of Levofloxacin. In addition if vitamin K antagonists are given in combination with Levaquin, it might bring about enhanced possibilities of bleeding.

Precautions:

• Levaquin is not safe for children and growing adolescents.
• Also patients who are allergic to Levofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics must not take this drug.
• Patients with hepatic and renal impairment problems must avoid this tablet.
• Levofloxacin gets secreted in breast milk. Thus it must be avoided by breastfeeding females during lactation.
• Also various research studies have found that Levofloxacin causes damage to the weight bearing joints in the foetus. Thus, Levaquin tablet must be avoided in pregnancy.

Is it safe to buy Levaquin from a Online Pharmacy?