Levofloxacin tablet

What is this medicine?

LEVOFLOXACIN is a quinolone antibiotic. It can kill bacteria or stop their growth. This medicine is used to treat bacterial infections of the lung, skin and urinary tract. It will not work for colds, the flu, or other viral infections.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cerebral disease
• irregular heartbeat
• kidney disease
• seizure disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• arsenic trioxide
• chloroquine
• droperidol
• medicines for irregular heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol
• some medicines for depression or mental problems like phenothiazines, pimozide, and ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• amoxapine
• cisapride
• dairy products
• didanosine (ddI) buffered tablets or powder
• haloperidol
• multivitamins
• retinoid products like tretinoin or isotretinoin
• risperidone
• some other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin
• sucralfate
• theophylline
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Drink several glasses of water a day and cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. You must not get dehydrated while taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reading stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.

Avoid antacids, calcium, iron, and zinc products for 4 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• confusion, nightmares or hallucinations
• difficulty breathing
• irregular heartbeat, chest pain
• joint, muscle or tendon pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
• vaginal irritation, discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• headache
• stomach upset, nausea
• trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in a tightly closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.