Levaquin (Generic)

Generic Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone that effectively fights body bacteria. It can be prescribed for treatment of skin, kidneys, sinuses, bladder and prostate infections, as well as those that cause bronchitis or pneumonia. Generic Levaquin is also prescribed to people exposed to plague or anthrax.

Levaquin should be taken according to your doctor's instructions and directions on the prescription label. Do not change the dosage or period of use without prior medical consult. Levofloxacin tablets can be taken during meals or otherwise. Swallow the whole tablet with a full glass of water.

DO NOT use the medication if you are allergic to it. If you experience any symptoms associated with allergies such as difficulty breathing, hives, swollen tongue etc., stop using the medication and seek urgent medical help.

Contact a medical specialist immediately if you experience any of the following: chest pain or dizziness, loss of consciousness, uneven heartbeat; joint pain, loss of movement ability, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, bruising or snapping sound; watery or bloody diarrhea; hallucinations, depression, shaking, confusion, restlessness, anxiety, behavioral changes; insomnia and nightmares; seizures; headache, ringing sound in your ears, nausea, sight problems, eye pain; high temperature, body weakness, increased bruising or bleeding, pale skin; pain in the upper stomach, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine or clay-colored stools, itching sensation, yellow-colored skin and eyes; smaller amounts of urination; numb hands or feet, burning pain or tingling; skin rash (even the smallest); skin reaction with high body temperature, swollen face and tongue, skin pain, burning sensation in the eyes, purple and red skin rash in the upper body with peeling and blistering.

Before taking the medication notify your medical professional if you suffer from a liver or kidney disease, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures, diabetes, problems with joints, myasthenia gravis, had head injuries or brain tumors, pseudotumor cerebri, low potassium levels in the blood; history of Long QT syndrome (personal or family), allergic reaction to antibiotics.

Do not take antacids, mineral supplements or vitamins, didanosine (Videx) or sucralfate (Carafate) in the form of powder or chewable tablets 2 hours before and after taking Levaquin.

Notify your medical specialist about other medications you are taking, especially: blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole) or moxifloxacin (Avelox); anti-malaria medications such as mefloquine (Lariam) or chloroquine (Aralen); insulin or orally administered diabetes medications; antidepressants such as amitriptylline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), clomipramine (Anafranil), or desipramine (Norpramin); medicines for psychotic conditions such as clozapine (FazaClo, Clozaril), pimozide (Orap), ziprasidone (Geodon) and haloperidol (Haldol); pentamidine (NebuPent, Pentam); theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl); medicine for nausea and vomiting such as droperidol (Inapsine), dolasetron (Anzemet), or ondansetron (Zofran); narcotic medications such as methadone (Methadose, Diskets, Dolophine); migraine medicine such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet); NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), celecoxib (Celebrex), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), and others; steroid medicines (prednisone).

Other medications may interact with Levaquin as well.

If you have missed your dose of Generic Levaquin, make sure to take it as soon as possible. However, two doses should never be taken at the same time, so if the time for the next dose has almost come, DO NOT take the dose you have missed.

Generic Levaquin should be stored between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children and pets. Keep in a tightly closed container. Do not use after expiration.