Levaquin is an antibiotic medication containing fluoroquinolone that is for the treatment of a number of bacterial sinus, skin, bronchial or genitourinary infections in patients over the age of 18. Levaquin is owned by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. and is available as a tablet, injection or oral solution.
Gastrointestinal Effects
The most common side effects experienced by individuals who take Levaquin include symptoms associated with the intestinal tract. According to the Levaquin prescribing label issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nausea was the most commonly reported symptom and occurred in approximately 7 percent of patients during clinical trials. Additional gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by less than 5 percent of patients taking this drug include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting or indigestion (dyspepsia). If you experience any of these gastrointestinal effects after taking Levaquin, speak with your doctor for additional guidance.
Sleep Disturbances
Patients taking Levaquin may develop sleep disturbances as a side effect of this medication. Several studies noted by the FDA state that approximately 4 percent of patients experienced insomnia while taking this medication. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that may cause some individuals to have difficulty falling or staying sleep. If you experience sleep disturbances while taking Levaquin, consider contacting your primary care physician for further care.
Central Nervous System Disorders
The Levaquin product site states that certain people may develop central nervous system disorder following the first dose of medication. Such disorders may include confusion, depression, anxiety or convulsions. Headache and dizziness have also been reported by some patients taking Levaquin. If you experience any of these central nervous system disorders after taking Levaquin, contact your medical care provider as soon as possible for additional care.
Changes in Sensation
Taking Levaquin may cause changes in sensation in certain patients. The Levaquin product site notes that some patients have reported pain, weakness, burning, numbness or tingling in certain regions of the body after taking Levaquin. If you experience any changes in sensations while taking Levaquin, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Liver Damage
According to the Levaquin product site, some patients taking this medication have reported experiencing liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage include fever, fatigue, weakness, dark colored urine, pale stools or a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). If you experience any of the symptoms of liver damage, seek medical care as soon as possible to avoid additional medical complications.
Tendinitis
Certain patients, especially those over the age of 60, may be more susceptible to developing tendinitis or a ruptured tendon while taking Levaquin. This risk may be increased in patients that are taking corticosteroid drugs or in transplant patients. If you experience tendon pain, inflammation or swelling, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
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