FAQs:
Levofloxacin is a prescription antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The drug cannot be used for treating viral infections.
Oral and intravenous formulations of Levofloxacin are available. They are used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, urinary tract, and prostate gland. Levofloxacin is also available as eye drops and is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.
What Are the Uses of Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin is commonly used in the treatment of,
– Bacterial pneumonia
– Bronchitis
– Sinus infections
– Prostatitis
– Infections of the ears and airways
– Kidney infection
– Obstetric infections like mastitis
The drug works well in the post-exposure treatment of anthrax and plague. It can also be used as a component of combination therapy (taken along with other medications).
What Are the Side-Effects of Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin is often related to tendinitis and rupturing of the tendons. The risk is higher in patients above 60 years of age. The most common side effects include headache, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.
Some people may report abdominal pain, dizziness, gas, and difficulty in sleeping. The drug’s serious side effects are peripheral neuropathy, abnormal heartbeats, liver malfunctioning, damage to the aorta, skin rashes, and hives.
Children, adolescents, and patients with existing medical conditions related to the central nervous system must be more cautious while taking the medication.
1. What Kind of Bacteria Does Levofloxacin treat?
The drug works well against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It exhibits significant activity against atypical respiratory pathogens (bacteria that are neither gram-positive nor gram-negative). It is active against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumonia and other penicillin-susceptible strains too.
2. Is Levofloxacin Safe?
Levofloxacin is very effective in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, it may cause severe side effects in some individuals. Patients with allergies, kidney-related disorders, problems related to the central nervous system, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers must consult a physician before consumption. If you want to know more about Levofloxacin, get in touch with one of our team members.
3. Can I Drink Alcohol with Levofloxacin?
Interaction between the drug and alcohol is unknown. Alcohol may worsen the side effects of the drug, such as dizziness and nausea. It is best recommended to take professional advice before consumption.
5. Is Levofloxacin a Strong Antibiotic?
Yes. Levofloxacin is a reasonably strong antibiotic. The drug is often reserved for treatment of conditions that are considered “difficult to treat.” Studies prove that the drug is highly effective in treating several bacterial infections.
6. How to Take Levofloxacin?
Follow the doctor’s prescription for drug dosage and general intake methods. In general, the dosage differs based on the condition being treated. The tablet must be taken at the same time every day with a glass of water. You may take the drug a few hours before or after food. For optimal results, do not skip any dose of the medicine.
7. Can Levofloxacin be taken with milk?
It is better to avoid milk and other dairy products a few hours before and after consuming the antibiotic. The calcium present in the milk binds with the drug and prevents complete absorption of the drug.
8. Does Levofloxacin Cause Insomnia?
Research indicates that Levofloxacin can cause neuropsychiatric effects like acute insomnia and anxiety. In some cases, the condition goes unnoticed. However, the effect may be more evident in older patients. In addition to insomnia, patients may also experience hallucinations.
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More about Levofloxacin:
Oral and intravenous formulations of Levofloxacin are available. They are used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, urinary tract, and prostate gland. Levofloxacin is also available as eye drops and is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.
The drug works well in the post-exposure treatment of anthrax and plague. It can also be used as a component of combination therapy (taken along with other medications).
Levofloxacin is often related to tendinitis and rupturing of the tendons. The risk is higher in patients above 60 years of age. The most common side effects include headache, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.
Some people may report abdominal pain, dizziness, gas, and difficulty in sleeping. The drug’s serious side effects are peripheral neuropathy, abnormal heartbeats, liver malfunctioning, damage to the aorta, skin rashes, and hives.
Children, adolescents, and patients with existing medical conditions related to the central nervous system must be more cautious while taking the medication.