When is levofloxacin prescribed

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Dated September I'm a 36 yo Male who has been suffering for months now. Was prescribed both levaquin an ciprofloxacin and sent home. After taking the Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. In this article About levofloxacin Before taking levofloxacin How to take levofloxacin Getting the most from your treatment Can levofloxacin cause problems?

Levofloxacin may also be used to treat bronchitis, sinus infections, or urinary tract infections but should not be used for bronchitis and certain types of urinary tract infections if there are other treatment options available. Levofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics such as levofloxacin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. Levofloxacin comes as a tablet and a solution liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have.

Your doctor will tell you how long to take levofloxacin. The tablet may be taken with or without food. The solution should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

Take levofloxacin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Take levofloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with levofloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor. Take levofloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking levofloxacin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Levofloxacin is also sometimes used to treat endocarditis infection of the heart lining and valves , certain sexually transmitted diseases, salmonella an infection that causes severe diarrhea , shigella an infection that causes severe diarrhea , inhalation anthrax a serious infection that may be spread by anthrax germs in the air on purpose as part of a bioterror attack , and tuberculosis TB.

Levofloxacin is also sometimes used to prevent or treat traveler's diarrhea. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. You should not take this drug if you have a history of this condition. For pregnant women: Levofloxacin is a category C pregnancy drug.

That means two things:. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. For women who are breastfeeding: Levofloxacin passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You will need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This raises your risk of side effects. Levofloxacin oral tablet is used for short-term treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose can include:. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms should get better and your infection should go away.

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. This drug can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This increases your risk of sunburn. Stay out of the sun if you can. If you have to be in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug.

This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. There are other drugs available to treat your condition.

Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date.

However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.

The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Levofloxacin belongs to the class of medicines known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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