Generic Levaquin ® : Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Levaquin ®

Tablets
Chemical Name: LEVOFLOXACIN (lee-voe-FLOX-a-sin)

Common uses : This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. This medicine is not effective for treating fungal infections or viral infections (such as the common cold).

Before using : Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking cisapride, ziprasidone, or certain medicines for irregular heartbeat (such as quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, dofetilide, amiodarone, or sotalol). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking theophylline, macrolide or ketolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, and telithromycin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin), medicines for diabetes (such as glyburide or insulin), "blood thinners" such as warfarin, antifungal medicine (such as fluconazole), lithium, tramadol, droperidol, certain medicines for nausea or vomiting (such as dolasetron), phenothiazines (such as thioridazine or promethazine), or tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or imipramine). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart problems, kidney problems, diabetes, tendon problems, seizures, blockage or hardening of blood vessels in your brain, brain tumors or other nervous system problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of a certain type of irregular heartbeat (prolonged QT interval) or if you have uncorrected low blood potassium. Use of this medicine in children under age 18 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions : Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH A FULL GLASS (8 ounces/240 mL) OF WATER. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. Do not take any medicines containing magnesium or aluminum (such as antacids, vitamins/minerals, and quinapril), didanosine, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, or zinc within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions : DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a fluoroquinolone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPOGLYCEMIA (low blood sugar), especially if you have diabetes and take medicine to control your blood sugar levels. Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, such as glucose tablets or gel, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction if it occurs. Use of this medicine for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new fungal infection (such as oral thrush or a vaginal "yeast infection"). Contact your doctor if you notice any white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines containing ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible side effects : SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, gas, headache, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience "sunburn" (sun sensitivity), vaginal discomfort or unusual discharge, or abdominal pain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden shortness of breath; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; changes in vision; numbness of an arm or leg; severe stomach pain; confusion; tremors; restlessness; anxiety; trouble sleeping; depression or other mental or mood changes; seizures; fever; tendon, joint, or muscle pain or swelling; burning, numbness, tingling, or weakness of your arms, hands, legs, or feet; abnormal changes in skin sensation (such as your sense of touch, pain, or temperature); irregular heartbeat; a change in the amount of your urine; or yellowing of your eyes or skin. If an allergic reaction to this medicine occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions : Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much : If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information : If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions, or later for other infections. A different medicine may be needed in those cases. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets.