Levaquin 500 mg, or levofloxacin, is an antibiotic prescribed to treat various bacterial infections including sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, skin infections, kidney infection and infections of the urinary tract, states the Mayo Clinic. This medication works by destroying the cell walls of these bacteria, which cause them to die off. All patients taking Levaquin 500 mg must take the complete course of the antibiotic to ensure complete killing of the infectious bacteria. Failure to follow your doctor's instruction may cause the infection to worsen. In addition, patients should be aware of the side effects associated with this medication and know what to do if experienced.
Nervousness
Levaquin 500 mg may cause nervousness, according to Medline Plus. This occurs because Levaquin 500 mg may alter certain chemicals in the brain that may make a patient feel nervous, anxious or uneasy. In this case, a patient experiencing these symptoms should let his doctor know. The doctor may prescribe another medication to help reduce anxiety, or he may change the dosage of Levaquin 500 mg or prescribe a different antibiotic. Therefore, a patient should not hesitate in telling his doctor of his increase in anxiety.
Vaginal Discharge
Women may notice vaginal itching or discharge while taking Levaquin 500 mg, states Medline Plus. This occurs because Levaquin 500 mg may kill healthy bacteria in the vagina, which can result in itching and discharge. A woman experiencing this symptom should not attempt self-treatment with over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal creams. She should let her doctor know so her vaginal discomfort can be properly treated.
Diarrhea
Levaquin 500 mg may cause diarrhea, states the Mayo Clinic. This occurs because Levaquin 500 mg may also kill healthy bacteria that help to digest food in the digestive tract. This can result in incomplete absorption of food and diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by Levaquin 500 mg should not be self-treated with OTC medications. A patient taking Levaquin 500 mg oral solution should take this medication one to two hours before eating. Levaquin 500 mg tablets, according to the Mayo Clinic, may be taken on an empty stomach but not within two hours of taking antacids, iron, zinc, Didanosine or Carafate. In addition, a full glass of water should be consumed with each dose.
Tendinitis
Medline Plus states that Levaquin 500 mg may cause tendinitis, or inflammation of the tissue that connects bone to muscle. This may occur in people of any age but is more common in those over the age of 60. A doctor should be immediately alerted if a patient notices pain or difficulty moving the shoulder, hand, ankle or other joints during treatment with Levaquin 500 mg or for several months after.
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