How to use Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin)?
Take Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) tabletorally as prescribed by your doctor with a full glass of water with or without food. Usually it is prescribed once daily. You can take with a glass of milk or food to avoid stomach upsets.

Swallow the whole tablet without chewing or splitting or crushing it. Increase the amount of fluids taken in order to avoid kidney stones from forming unless the doctor advised otherwise.

Always try to take Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) at evenly paced times. If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember.  If it is too close to your next dose then skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Should never double the dose in order to make up for the missed dose.

If you are taking any of the following medications or supplements, you need to take Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) at least 2 hours before of 2 hours after taking other products that may bind to it, decreasing its effectiveness.

• sucralfate
• quinapril
• sevelamer
• vitamin / mineral supplements (zinc or iron)
• products containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium (antacids, calcium supplements, didanosine solution)

This is an antibiotic which needs to complete the fully prescribed amount, even if the symptoms improve after a few doses. The bacteria may continue to grow if you stop the medication early resulting in a return of the infection.

Take Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.

Precaution
Prior to taking Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) inform your doctor if you

• have any allergies to Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin)  or to quinolone antibiotics or any other allergies
• have diabetes
• have kidney disease
• have mental / mood changes (depression)
• have myasthenia gravis  - a type of muscle disease
• heart disease – had a heart attack recently,
• nerve problems such as peripheral neuropathy
• have seizures
• have joint/ tendon problems
• have QT prolongation in the EKG
• have family history of the above

Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) may cause QT prolongation which affects the heart rhythm.

Risk of QT prolongation will be increased by low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood. This risk may increase if you are taking certain drugs or certain conditions like diarrhea, sweating and vomiting. Discuss with your doctor how to use Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) safely and effectively.

Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar, especially with diabetes. You need to do regular checks on your blood sugar and share the results with your doctor.  Be watchful for symptoms of high blood sugar or low blood sugar.

While you are taking Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) do not take any live bacterial immunizations (such as typhoid vaccine) as it may not work well unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

Inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products that you use (prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, protein shakes, herbal products, vitamin supplements) before having surgery.

Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) may make you dizzy, confused or disoriented. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not operate machinery, drive a car or do anything that require alertness until you can do it safely.  Understand know how this medication affects you.

You need to limit your time in the sun as Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) may make you more sensitive to the sun. Tanning booths and sun lamps should be avoided. Wear protective clothing and sun screen whenever you expose yourself to the sun. 

Side Effects
Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects. However, you may experience the following side effects.

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects mentioned below.

• Signs of a new infection
• Signs of liver problems (unusual tiredness, stomach / abdominal pain, yellowing eyes, skin, dark urine, nausea)
• Unusual bruising, bleeding
• Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, colour of urine)

Prolonged use of Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) may cause oral thrush or yeast infection. If you notice white patches in your mouth, a vaginal discharge contact your doctor immediately.

Interactions
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.

During pregnancy Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) must be used if it's absolutely necessary.

Caution should be exercised when prescribing Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) to a nursing mother.

Some of the medications that may interact with Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin) is

• blood thinners - strontium