The side effects of Levaquin may hinder medical care of a bacterial infection. Levaquin, a trade name, belongs to a chemical group of antibacterial drugs called fluoroquinolones. The generic name for Levaquin is levofloxacin. Levofloxacin treats bacterial infections of the skin, lungs, sinuses, prostate, kidneys, urinary tract and exposure to inhaled anthrax. It is ineffective against viruses and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. Information about the common side effects and their management can improve patient compliance.
Definition
Side effects are any undesirable physiological responses to a medication. Side effects are common with most antibiotics but are not necessarily cause for alarm. Not all patients experience side effects, and some patients can manage the side effects without stopping the medication. Appropriate screening, prescribing, dosing, administration and monitoring can reduce the incidence of side effects.
Types
Common side effects of levofloxacin are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache and abdominal pain. Nausea may resolve with food. Don't take antacids with Levaquin, as they diminish absorption. Diarrhea requires attention to the consistency and frequency of stools. Watch for bloody, watery or mucous-filled stools. Constipation may resolve with increased fluid intake. Headaches may resolve without treatment. Abdominal pain requires attention to onset and location. Notify a physician if side effects continue and before using over-the-counter medication.
Misconceptions
Side effects do not indicate serious or life-threatening illnesses, but patients should notify the physician of the symptoms. Common side effects of Levaquin are not allergic reactions. An allergic reaction includes difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and neck, a rash and anaphylactic shock.
The time of day does not alter the incidence of side effects. Take the medication at the same time each day for the duration of the prescription.
Time Frame
Common side effects may occur as soon as the first dose of Levaquin. Serious side effects can occur as late as two months after completion of the medication.
Serious Adverse Drug Reactions
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a black box warning for levofloxacin as a result of serious adverse drug events. Adverse reactions can lead to long-term disability and fatalities after only one dose. A black box warning signifies the highest level of caution in prescribing and taking levofloxacin; it does not indicate that it is a bad drug. Among the patients affected are those with a previous medical history or family history of joint or tendon disorders. Patients with cardiac disorders, neurological diseases, the elderly, diabetics and patients with impaired renal function also are susceptible to adverse reactions. The FDA recommends patients report all side effects to their physicians and to the FDA.
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