How it works

Levaquin limits the ability of the bacteria to multiply in the body. Thus it prevents the spread of the bacterial infection.

Guidelines for usage

Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.

Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.

Levaquin may be used with or without food.

Do not use antacids or mineral tablets for 2 hours before or after taking Levaquin.

Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.

NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.

Missed Dose

It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.

Do not panic if you have missed a dose.

Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.

How & where do I store Levaquin?

The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.

Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.

Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.

Overdose Related Information

If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.

Ensure that you mention the following:

Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
If you have kidney or liver disease, muscle weakness or trouble breathing, joint problems, seizures, diabetes, myasthenia gravis, a history of head injury of brain tumor, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri,
You have low levels of potassium in your blood, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome,

This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.

To be avoided

You must avoid using Levaquin if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if

You are on steroid medications
You have undergone a heart or kidney transplant

Using Alcohol

Levaquin is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Levaquin.

These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.

Possible Drug & Food Interactions

Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Levaquin is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.

Additional Information

Levaquin is an antibiotic that is effective only in the treatment of bacterial infections. It will not be effective against viral infections like cough and cold. Antibiotic treatment must be monitored closely by doctors because prolonged treatment increases the resistance of the bacteria against Levaquin. A future bacterial infection becomes severe and difficult to treat.

Some patients experience a persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in their stool. Contact your doctor immediately if this happens.

Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects while using 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. If the side effects are bothersome, then seek medical help.

Important Information for Pregnant Women

Levaquin is categorized under FDA pregnancy category C.

Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.

Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.

Side Effects

Report the following side effects to your doctor only if they become bothersome or do not stop on their own

mild diarrhea, constipation, vomiting;
sleep problems (insomnia);
mild headache or dizziness; or
vaginal itching or discharge.

The following side effects require immediate medical attention. So report these to your doctor immediately.

chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
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);
severe headache, ringing in your ears, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes;
pale skin, fever, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding;
nausea, 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