Levaquin

Other names used:

• Exolev®

Active Ingredients:

• Levofloxacin

How does Levaquin work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Levofloxacin - bactericidal antibiotic with a broad spectrum of effects which belongs to a group of chinolines. The preparation works by inhibiting DNA-girase thus affecting the synthesis of bacterial DNA, causing severe changes in cytoplasm, cellular membranes of the microorganisms.

Which conditions are treated with Levofloxacin?

The preparation is used in treatment of bacterial infections in adults, if the infection is caused by susceptible to Levofloxacin bacteria:

• ENT organ infections
• Lower respirator tract infections, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia
• Urogenital infections, prostatitis
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Septic fever induced by the above mentioned conditions

What should a patient know before using Levaquin?

The Levofloxacin should not be used in cases of:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the preparation
• Epilepsy
• Tendon disorders due to prior use of chinolines
• Young age prior to 18 years
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding period

The preparation should be used with caution in:

• Elderly patients
• Renal failure

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of Levaquin include:

• CNS: headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigability, change of sensitivity, asthenia, aggression, coordination disorders, hallucination, seizures, coma, tremor, vertigo, irritability, anxiety. Delirium depression, confusion, sleep disturbance, paranoia, conjunctivitis
• Cardiovascular system: hypertension or hypotension is specific cases, arrhythmia, heart failure,bradycardia or tachycardia, phlebitis and etc.
• Respiratory system: sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, coughing, bloody cough, hypoxia, respiratory insufficiency
• Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, meteorism, dry mouth, dysphagia, tongue swelling, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver coma, jaundice, liver function disorder
• Urogenital system: vaginitis, genital itching, impotence, ejaculation disorders, decreased renal function, hematuria
• Locomotor system: artralgia, arthritis, artrosis, muscle weakness, myalgia, osteomielitis, tendinitis, paralysis, paresthesia, increased muscle tone, sinovitis
• Skin: itching, rash, nodular erythema, hives, increased sweating
• Other: pain, inflammation, hyperkalemia, dehydration, decreased body weight, fever, facial swelling, aggravation of diabetes symptoms.

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Levofloxacin?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Antacids
• Fe- containing preparations
• Diuretics
• Asthma treatment
• Anticoagulants
• NSAID's
• Diabetes treatment
• H2-histamine receptor blockers
• Gout treatment

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient:

Levaquin is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.