Have you recently been prescribed the antibiotic Levaquin to treat a bacterial infection, but are not quite sure what this drug is or how it will help you? With so many pharmaceutical offerings on the market currently, it is nearly impossible to keep up with the medications that offer the best results and those that come with some pretty serious side effects.
If you have been prescribed this medication and what like to know what the Levaquin side effects are, look no further. The following is a comprehensive guide to this antibiotic and provides a detailed description of its associated side effects, both good and bad.
What Is Levaquin?
Overview
Before we delve into Levaquin side effects, it is important first to understand what this drug is and the purpose it is used for. Levaquin is used solely for the treatment and eradication of bacterial infections and has no effect whatsoever on viral infections. Levaquin is part of the drug family called quinolone antibiotics, with its function being to hinder bacteria growth in the body.
If prescribed Levaquin, always adhere to the dosages ordered by your doctor and do not make any alterations without consulting a medical professional. If you have questions or concerns regarding your dosage, ask your doctor for further clarification and advice.
In most cases, unless directed otherwise by a physician, patients prescribed Levaquin take the medication once a day with fluids. It can be taken with a meal or without in tablet form. The liquid version must be taken on an empty stomach about 1-2 hours before eating. If you are taking other medications that will lessen the potency of the drug, you will need to take Levaquin a minimum of 2 hours before or after consumption of these substances.
Medications like quinapril, sucralfate, many vitamins, and minerals, or elements like magnesium, aluminum, or calcium will negate the ability of the drug to fight bacteria in your body. Speak with your doctor and pharmacist regarding any potential interactions with these medications.
Your dosages and the length of your prescription generally depend upon your unique set of medical circumstances and any Levaquin side effects you may experience. When children are prescribed the medication, the dosage is typically based on weight as well. It is a good idea to take Levaquin at the same time each day so that you can ensure an adequate space between consumption.
You must continue to take Levaquin until you have finished your prescription even if you begin to feel better immediately. Stopping your prescription too soon can cause the bacterial infection to come back in full. As always, speak with your doctor regarding any related questions you may have.
Prescription Uses
Essentially, Levaquin is an antibacterial drug that works to treat infections of your skin, sinuses, bladder, kidneys, or prostate. It may also be used to treat the bacterial infections that cause illness like pneumonia and bronchitis. It can even be used for the treatment of individuals who have been exposed to anthrax.
The Good Levaquin Side Effects
Fights Infection
One of the chief reasons Levaquin may be prescribed as opposed to another form of an antibiotic is the fact that it so summarily fights bacterial infections appearing in so many different forms. Sinus, skin, lung, bone, joint and ear infections that have overrun the body can be effectively dissolved by this drug.
As such, the best Levaquin side effect, without a doubt, is the potency with which it fights bacterial infections. If you are suffering from an intestinal bacteria, an obstetric infection like mastitis, or have even been exposed to the plague, Levaquin can effectively fight these immune invaders.
Effective for Antibiotic-Resistant Illnesses
Another great Levaquin side effect is the fact that this drug can treat infections that have been resistant to other antibiotics. Perhaps you have had a bacterial infection for so long that it has overrun your body to the extent that you need a drug with enhanced potency. Maybe you have tried multiple antibiotics, and none of them have done the trick to summarily eradicate the bacteria plaguing your health.
This is where Levaquin often comes into play. For example, urinary infections such as prostatitis may be very hard to ward away once they have been in your body for a significant period of time. One of the best Levaquin side effects is found in its ability to root out urinary infections and kill off bacteria that has been wreaking havoc on your body, despite your efforts to fight these organisms off with other forms of antibiotics.
The Bad Levaquin Side Effects
Reaction Symptoms
When it comes to the bad Levaquin side effects, there are quite a few that have been experienced by a wide spectrum of patients. At the end of the day, it comes down to your individual body constitution and health situation. Nonetheless, it is important to be aware of any possible side effects you could experience.
Levaquin side effects are many and varied, and can include tendon issues, alterations to your mood and behavior, nerve damage, and low blood sugar. You may experience symptoms such as hunger, irritability, headaches, anxiety, burning pain, confusion, numbness, tingling, memory loss, or suicidal thoughts. If you begin to recognize any of these signs and symptoms after you begin taking Levaquin, you must stop and call your doctor immediately to see if any alternations need to be made to your prescription.
Your joints could experience pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising, mobility issues, and tenderness. If so, this could mean you are having tendon issues. Cease taking the medication and call your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.
Other negative Levaquin side effects include intestinal difficulties like nausea and diarrhea. You may experience insomnia. Be sure to consult your doctor if symptoms continue and worsen. Most people do not experience long-lasting or serious Levaquin side effects. Your doctor prescribed it because he or she thought it was the best option to fight the bacterial infection you are dealing with, so be sure to consult with your physician regarding any concerns.
Tell your doctor immediately if you begin to experience Levaquin side effects like strange bruising or bleeding, signs of kidney or liver issues like urine changes or continuous vomiting, a drop in appetite, or abdominal pain. Very grave Levaquin side effects like chest pain, fainting, dizziness, or an irregular heartbeat occur in rare instances and require immediate medical attention.
One of the very unusual Levaquin side effects includes a rare intestinal disorder caused by an unaffected type of bacteria. If you begin to experience continuous diarrhea, bloody stool, or abdominal cramps that do not abate, consult your doctor immediately. This condition can develop while taking the medication or may occur anywhere from weeks to months after you stop taking it.
Levaquin side effects do not usually cause allergic reactions. In the event, this does happen, it requires immediate medical attention. Signs of an allergic reaction include itching and swelling, rashes, intense dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Preexisting Conditions
You should be aware that certain preexisting conditions may cause negative Levaquin side effects, so it is important to make your doctor aware if you have any of the following. As one of the Levaquin side effects can include tendon issues, let your doctor know if you have any preexisting tendon problem, arthritis, or other joint difficulties. If you have taken steroid medicine or had an organ transplant in the past, you could be more susceptible to these issues.
Also let your doctor know if you have diabetes, a nerve-related illness, kidney disease, if you suffer from seizures or epilepsy, or if you have had any head traumas. If you have a family history of the rare condition known as long QT syndrome, have or had a brain tumor, or have heart problems, this medication may not be safe for you to take. It is not known definitively whether Levaquin side effects include birth defects. If you are pregnant, let your doctor know. Abstain from taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Medication Interactions
There are a number of drugs which are known to interact with and cause Levaquin side effects. Be sure to make note of any medications or supplements you already take and share them with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure the right prescription is made.
Levaquin has quite a few similarities to the drug Ofloxacin. You should not take any medications containing the latter if you have been prescribed Levaquin. Another common Levaquin side effect is its tendency to interact with and reduce the potency of certain hormonal birth control medications. This includes the ring, patch, or pills. Levaquin may also lower the efficiency of other antibiotics like rifampin and rifabutin.
There are nearly 700 drugs currently on the market that can interact with the medication and cause Levaquin side effects. A few common ones that doctors typically check for are aspirin, Cymbalta, ibuprofen, methadone, gabapentin, prednisone, and Vitamin D3. This is by no means an exhaustive record, so be sure to share your full list of current medications and supplements with your doctor for the sake of your health.
Conclusion
Depending on your personal health history and unique set of circumstances, there are many key Levaquin side effects to look out for and discuss with your doctor. In spite of this, Levaquin has the ability to work as an incredibly effective, potent antibacterial drug.
If you are suffering from a bacterial infection that has been resistant to other antibiotics, Levaquin could be an excellent solution to that problem. Alternatively, your bacterial infection may be such that it requires the use of a powerful antibiotic to combat it. You can be sure that your doctor will weigh your circumstances against the potential Levaquin side effects to determine if this medication is the best fit for you.
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