Friedlander, so anyone taking it should be on the lookout for:. Not terrible, right? All of these are side effects that frequently appear on labels for a wide variety of medications. In the past few years, Levaquin has been under the media microscope for some of its rarer, more severe side effects. Levaquin use has been linked to tendinitis swelling of the tendons as well as bruising, tearing, and rupture, most commonly in the Achilles tendon, at the back of the ankle.
Patients with a history of tendinitis, injury, or other tendon problems should be especially cautious about taking Levaquin. Central nervous system effects like seizures, lightheadedness, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, and other mental health problems are possible too. Levaquin can catalyze heart problems like increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm, and aortic aneurysms or tears. The latter can result in sudden chest, stomach, and back pain.
Additionally, low or high blood sugar is a possibility, so people with diabetes should be extra cautious. Some people who take Levaquin may also experience a greater sensitivity to sunlight, leading to severe sunburn, blisters, and skin rashes after just a short exposure without sunscreen. While taking Levaquin, avoid the sun and tanning beds if possible. If you are in the sun for a short period of time, wear sunscreen and a hat and clothes that cover the skin.
Others might experience liver problems characterized by yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, vomiting, stomach pain, and light-colored stools. And anyone who has the relatively rare condition myasthenia gravis might see their condition worsen with Levaquin treatment.
Some of these symptoms include muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and blurred or double vision. On top of all that, Levaquin may trigger an allergic reaction that consists of rash, hives, swelling, itching, and—in the worst case—anaphylaxis.
Friedlander, citing a FDA warning. In fact, there are a few other prescription drugs that can treat a similar spectrum of conditions. So, healthcare providers have multiple treatment options and ways to attack common bacterial infections. A few of the most frequently-used Levaquin alternatives include:. In December , Janssen Pharmaceuticals pulled Levaquin and another fluoroquinolone called Floxin Otic ear drops from production. Janssen said that it based its decision to discontinue Levaquin on the broad availability of alternatives, however, there were several lawsuits over severe side effects.
The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
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The efficacy and tolerability of levofloxacin mg once daily for 10 days in patients with CAP, ABS and UTIs is well established, and the high-dose, short-course levofloxacin regimen has been shown to be noninferior to the day regimen in CAP and ABS, and to have a similar tolerability profile. Similarly, the high-dose, short-course levofloxacin regimen is noninferior to ciprofloxacin in patients with complicated UTI or AP.
Thus, levofloxacin is a valuable antimicrobial agent that has activity against a wide range of bacterial pathogens; however, its use should be considered carefully so that the potential for resistance selection can be minimized and its usefulness in severe infections and against a range of penicillin- and macrolide-resistant pathogens can be maintained.
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