Levaquin

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is classified as fluoroquinolone antibiotic and is often prescribed for patients diagnosed with certain infections caused by bacteria. It works by slowing down the growth of bacteria helping your immune system to fight off the infection. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids when taking Levaquin. A tablet of Levaquin may be taken with some food or without, but the general recommendation is to take it one hour before or a couple of hours after you have had a meal. Some of the drugs you may be taking can make Levaquin less efficient and should therefore be taken after a couple of hours. These include any magnesium or aluminum-containing antacids, didanosine, vitamins or mineral supplements, and ulcer medicine (sucralfate). If you have any of the following serious side effects you must stop the treatment and consult your health care provider as soon as possible: hallucinations, watery or bloody diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, sudden joint pain and joint swelling, fast heartbeat, seizure, pale skin, jaundice, unusual weakness, decreased urination, depression and unusual behavior. Some of the mild side effects that you do not need to report to your health care provider include vaginal itching, nightmares, restlessness, nausea, mild skin itching, insomnia, headache, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, muscle pain, and vaginal discharge. Unless these side effects change in intensity or become way too bothersome you do not need to report them to your health care provider.