Have you had a serious bacterial infection and the doctor started giving you an injection into a vein? Or have you ever seen someone in the hospital being given this kind of medication? Then the medication is probably Levofloxacin. It is a very strong antibiotic. So today we will talk about this medication, what it does, what to be careful about while using it, and the possible side effects.
What is this medicine called Levofloxacin?
Simply put, levofloxacin is a medicine that is used to kill bacterial infections . It belongs to a class of antibiotics called quinolones. It works by killing bacteria that enter our bodies and cause illness.
The most important thing is that this will not cure viral illnesses like colds and flu . Because it only works on bacteria, this is a medicine that should only be used if prescribed by a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this treatment
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. This is because some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine. If you have any of the conditions listed below, tell your doctor without hiding anything .
| Illness or condition | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine can cause blood sugar levels to suddenly rise or fall. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat | Because it can affect the rhythm of the heartbeat. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Since these organs help remove medications from the body, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Bone, joint, or tendon problems | Because this medicine may cause a risk of tendon rupture. |
| Seizures or other neurological disorders | Because it can affect brain function. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | You should definitely talk to your doctor about this because it could affect the baby. |
| If you have allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | To be aware of the possibility of an allergy to the medicine. |
How do you use this medicine?
Levofloxacin is an intravenous (infusion) medication. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic . A doctor or nursing staff will give it to you.
However, in some special cases, you may be allowed to do this treatment at home. If so, you will be taught how to do it, and how to safely dispose of used syringes, cannulas, etc. (such as putting them in a sharps container). It is very important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed, and at the right time .
Can this medicine be given to small children?
Yes, this medicine can be given to children over 6 months of age for some specific infections. But that is a decision made by a pediatrician. So talk to your doctor about that too.
What if I take too much medicine?
This usually doesn't happen because it's given in a hospital. But if you think you've overdosed in any way, go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with Levofloxacin (Interactions)
It is essential to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including painkillers, vitamins, and even traditional medicines, because Levofloxacin is a drug that has a high potential for interaction with other medications.
| Never take Levofloxacin with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Dronedarone |
| Pimozide | Thioridazine |
| Be especially careful when taking Levofloxacin with these: | |
| |
What are the things to be careful about during treatment?
Be aware of symptoms.
If your symptoms do not improve, or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
Diarrhea
Some people may experience diarrhea while taking this medication. If you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if it becomes watery, do not take the medicine from the pharmacy and talk to your doctor.
Be careful of dehydration.
If you are sweating a lot, vomiting or having diarrhea, you will lose a lot of water from your body. It can be dangerous to take this medicine at a time like this. So drink plenty of fluids like water and Jeevani. If necessary, seek advice from your doctor.
Be careful of the sun!
This is very important for us in Sri Lanka. When you take Levofloxacin, your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun . This means that even a little exposure to the sun can cause your skin to burn, turn red, and blister.
- Avoid going out in the sun as much as possible.
- If you go out, wear clothing that covers your body and a hat.
- Be sure to use sunscreen.
Drowsiness and dizziness
You may feel a little sleepy or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a standing position. Get up slowly.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Levofloxacin can cause side effects. Don't worry, not all of these will happen to everyone. But it's important to be aware of them.
| If these symptoms occur, notify your doctor or hospital immediately . | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Joint, muscle, or tendon pain/swelling | Severe pain or swelling, especially in the arms, legs, or shoulders. |
| Nerve-related problems | Numbness, burning, pain in the limbs. |
| Mental changes | Anxiety, agitation, mental confusion, suicidal thoughts. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe headache, vision changes, seizures, severe stomach/chest/back pain, signs of liver damage (yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine). |
| Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Diarrhea (mild) | Dizziness |
| Headache | Nausea |
| Difficulty falling asleep | Sun sensitivity |
Take-Home Message
- Levofloxacin is a strong antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viruses.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all medications you are taking.
- Be very careful of the sun while taking the medicine. Use sunscreen.
- Avoid activities that require attention, such as driving, as dizziness and drowsiness may occur.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as skin rashes, difficulty breathing, or severe joint pain, seek medical advice immediately .
- Take the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking it because the pain has subsided.
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