Levofloxacin 250 mg is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, or prostate. It is also used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis or pneumonia, and to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax.
Generic name is Levofloxacin, brand name is Levaquin.
INDICATIONS
Levofloxacin 250mg is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure. Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic. It works by killing sensitive bacteria.
INSTRUCTIONS
Use Levofloxacin as directed by your doctor.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
- Take Levofloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking Levofloxacin.
- You may take Levofloxacin tablets with or without food.
- Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Levofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
- This medicine can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Levofloxacin.
- Levofloxacin works best if it is used at the same time each day.
- Do not miss any dose of Levofloxacin. If you miss a dose of Levofloxacin, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levofloxacin.
STORAGE
Store Levofloxacin 250 mg at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Levofloxacin 250mg out of the reach of children and away from pets.
PRECAUTIONS
Do NOT use Levofloxacin if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Levofloxacin or to any other quinolone antibiotic (eg, ciprofloxacin)
- you have a certain type of irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation, long QT syndrome) or low blood potassium levels
- you are taking cisapride or certain antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol).
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Levofloxacin. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of severe or persistent diarrhea, skin sensitivity to the sun, diabetes, low blood potassium levels, chest pain, angina, heart problems (eg, enlarged heart, heart failure), heart attack, irregular heartbeat (eg, QT prolongation), or if you have a family member with a history of fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (eg, QT prolongation)
- if you have a stomach infection, liver problems, brain or nervous system problems, muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis), increased pressure in the brain, Alzheimer disease, brain blood vessel problems, or a history of seizures
- if you have a history of bone, joint, or tendon problems; rheumatoid arthritis; liver problems; kidney problems or decreased kidney function; or heart, kidney, or lung transplant
- if you take corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or participate in strenuous physical work or exercise.
Some medicines may interact with Levofloxacin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol), arsenic, astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, droperidol, haloperidol, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), methadone, paliperidone, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), pimozide, ranolazine, serotonin receptor antagonists (eg, dolasetron), telithromycin, terfenadine, or ziprasidone because the risk of serious heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may be increased
- Insulin or oral diabetes medicines (eg, glyburide) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased
- Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because the risk of tendon problems may be increased
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) or theophylline because the risk of serious side effects, including seizures, may be increased
- Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Levofloxacin.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Levofloxacin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.