Levaquin

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Levaquin if you have a known allergy to levofloxacin or another quinolone antibiotic. Levofloxacin should be avoided if you have myasthenia gravis, a known prolonged QT interval (a heart rhythm abnormality), or low blood potassium that has not been corrected. It should also be avoided with certain heart rhythm medicines, including quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone and sotalol. Tell your prescriber before taking this medicine if you: • Have kidney problems, which can cause levofloxacin to build up in the body. • Have epilepsy, another condition that increases seizure risk, or take medicines that increase this risk. • Have diabetes and use insulin or an oral blood sugar-lowering medicine. Blood glucose needs careful monitoring. • Have a history of tendon disorders, undertake strenuous physical activity, take corticosteroids, or have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant. These factors increase the risk of tendon injury or rupture. People over 60 are also at increased risk, although tendon injury can occur at any age and without these risk factors. Older adults may also be more susceptible to heart rhythm effects. Severe liver injury, sometimes fatal, has been reported, with most fatal reports occurring in people aged 65 or older. During pregnancy, levofloxacin should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby. It is expected to pass into breast milk; a decision is needed with your prescriber about whether to stop breastfeeding or stop the medicine. Use in children aged six months and older is limited to inhalational anthrax after exposure and the treatment or prevention of plague. Joint, tendon and walking problems occurred more often in children receiving levofloxacin than in those receiving comparison antibiotics. Safety and effectiveness below six months of age have not been established. Stop taking levofloxacin and seek medical advice immediately if you develop a rash or other signs of allergy, jaundice, tendon pain or swelling, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness, or nervous system symptoms such as seizures, confusion or hallucinations. Rest at the first sign of tendon injury. Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, tongue or throat. Diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile can occur during treatment or more than two months afterward and may be serious. Contact your healthcare provider if diarrhea develops. Avoid excessive sunlight or UV exposure, and stop the medicine if a light-related skin reaction occurs.