Levofloxacin Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Levofloxacin is given to treat infections of the lower respiratory system, urinary tract, sinuses, the skin, bones and joints, and prostate. Levofloxacin is also used for inhalational anthrax, STDs, severe bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, and pneumonia. Levofloxacin belongs to the family of Flouroquinolone, which are effective against many organisms that traditional antibiotics fail to resist. Levofloxacin kills a variety of bacteria, and prevent them from reproducing and is often used to treat infections all over the body. However, they are not considered good to treat viral infections like flu.

Levofloxacin Side Effects

Levofloxacin side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Less common Levofloxacin side effects are abdominal pain, headache, rash, restlessness. Rare Levofloxacin side effects may include confusion, shortness of breath, blood in urine, coughing up blood, depression, dizziness, hives, irritability, liver and kidney failures.

Levofloxacin Side Effects Reporting

If you experience any Levofloxacin side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

LEVOFLOXACIN OVERDOSE

Levofloxacin overdose symptoms include confusion, delusion, headache, upset stomach, and convulsions. In rare cases Levofloxacin overdose may cause kidney failure. In case of Levofloxacin overdose seek medical help right away.

LEVOFLOXACIN CAUTION

Stop taking Levofloxacin and seek medical help right away at the first sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Though rare, serious and seldom fatal allergic reactions have been reported, even after the first dose.

These reactions include loss of consciousness, swelling of the face and throat,
shortness of breath, hives, tingling, and rash.

You should not take Levofloxacin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Levofloxacin or other antibiotics of this type such as Floxin, Noroxin and Trovan.

You should not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Levofloxacin affects you.

Continued or prolonged use of this drug may result in a growth of bacteria that do not respond to this medication and can cause a secondary infection.

If you have a known or suspected central nervous system disorder such as epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain, inform your physician before taking Levofloxacin.

You should consult your doctor before taking Levofloxacin if you have liver or kidney disease.

LEVOFLOXACIN INTERACTION

The following can interfere with the absorption of Levofloxacin:

Antacids
Carafate
Iron Supplements and other multivitamins containing calcium, or zinc (also avoid taking milk or yogurt)
Videx

Serious and fatal reactions have occurred when Levofloxacin was taken in combination with theophylline, Probeneacid and Cimetidine.

Levofloxacin may increase the effects of caffeine.

If Levofloxacin is taken with these drugs, the effects of either could be increased or decreased:

Cyclophosphamide
Cyclosporine
Glyburide
Metoprolol
Phenytoin
Warfarin

LEVOFLOXACIN DOSES

CHILDREN:

Not recommended, unless for treating Anthrax. Their dose is calculated at the rate of 15mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight.

ADULTS:

250-750mg once a day.
Doses of Levofloxacin may be reduced if the patient has kidney problems.

LEVOFLOXACIN AND PREGNANCY

Animal studies have shown birth defects by Levofloxacin. Inform your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant before using this drug. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Levofloxacin.
Drug List
A- B- C- D- E- F- G- H- I- J- K- L- M- N- O- P- Q- R- S- T- U- V- W- X- Y- Z-
Home