Levaquin Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Levaquin, the brand name for levofloxacin, is a prescription antibiotic medication that belongs to a group of medicines called fluoroquinolones. This anti-bacterial drug is typically prescribed to treat pneumonia (a lung infection), acute bacterial sinusitis (infection of nasal passages), some urinary tract infections, some cases of chronic bronchitis, and certain skin infections. Levaquin is not used to treat any type of viral infection, as it works by killing bacteria.[1]
Common adverse reactions to Levaquin are headache, dizziness, upset stomach and bowel irregularity. In rare cases, Levaquin can cause side effects that may be serious or even cause death. Some of these are tendinitis, tendon rupture, and a number of other tendon related injuries. Levaquin has also been linked to other serious life altering side effects such as liver and nerve damage.[2]
 Flickr:Pulmonary Pathology | |
| Brand name for | levofloxacin |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals |
| Uses | Levaquin is for use in adults 18 or older to treat infections caused by certain bacteria |
| Common side effects | Dizziness, lightheadedness, tendonitis, nausea, headache, diarrhea, and constipation. |
| Who should not take Levaquin | People under 18 years old. |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Levaquin Side Effects
- The most common adverse reactions to Levaquin are nausea, dizziness, headache and changes in bowel regularity.[1]
- Serious side effects can also be caused by Levaquin. These can include passing out, changes in heart rate, high temperature, swollen face or other body parts, hives, pain in the stomach, anxiety, insomnia and strange dreams.[3]
- Liver damage can occur in people taking Levaquin. Symptoms of this include nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, fever, weakness, abdominal pain or tenderness, itching, unusual or unexplained tiredness, loss of appetite, light colored bowel movements, dark colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.
- Central nervous system side effects canoccur after taking the first dose. Symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, confusion, depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, nightmares, feeling more suspicious, or other changes in mood or behavior.
About Drug Side Effects
Levaquin Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions to Levaquin are possible, and can happen after a single dose. Common allergic reactions to Levaquin include: hives, skin rash, trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling of the facial or oral area, throat restriction, increased heart rate, and feeling faint. Patients who experience any of these symptoms are advised to consult a medical professional at once.[2]
Levaquin Precautions and Warnings
- Levaquin injections increase the risk that of developing tendinitis or rupturing a tendon for up to a few months after treatment. Tendinitis or tendon rupture are more likely to occur among people over 60 years old, but may happen to people of any age. Symptoms of tendinitis include pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or difficulty in moving a muscle. Symptoms of tendon rupture include experiencing a snap or pop in a tendon, a bruising tendon injury, motion difficulty and lack of the ability to place weight on a tendon.[3]
- Levaquin injections may worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis.[3]
- Levaquin can cause photosensitivity, which is increased sensitivity to solar rays as well as light from sunlamps and tanning beds. This can lead to severe sunburn, blisters, or swelling of the skin, and is averted by avoiding sunlamps and tanning beds, and limiting time in the sun.[2]
Also See: Drug Side Effects, Flu Shot Side Effects, Tylenol Side Effects, Advil Coupons, Aleve Coupons, Flu Shot Side Effects
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