Did the doctor give you Levofloxacin too? Let's talk about this medicine!

Maybe your doctor has prescribed you this medicine called Levofloxacin for a fever, a chest infection, or some other infection. When you hear this name, you may be wondering, "What kind of medicine is this? Will this make me sick?" Don't worry, it's normal. Today, we'll talk about this medicine called Levofloxacin, how it works, what to be careful about while using it, and its side effects, all in a very simple and friendly way.

First, let's see, what is Levofloxacin?

Simply put, Levofloxacin is an antibiotic . To be precise, it belongs to the quinolone class of antibiotics. Its main function is to kill certain types of bacteria that have entered our body and cure the infections caused by them. For example, doctors prescribe this medicine for many conditions such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (such as pneumonia), and skin infections.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before giving you this medicine, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health history. Because we need to be very careful when using this medicine with certain medical conditions. Especially if you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about it.

• If you have diabetes .
• If you have heart disease or high blood pressure .
• If you have a history of irregular heartbeat.
• If you have been reported to have low potassium levels in your blood.
• If you have kidney or liver disease .
• If you have seizures or a convulsive disorder.
• If you are receiving treatment for mental illness .
• If you have a neurological condition such as myasthenia gravis .
• If you have nerve problems such as numbness in your fingertips.
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Levofloxacin or another quinolone antibiotic.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant , or are a breastfeeding mother .

When you tell your doctor these things without hiding them, he can choose the most suitable and safest treatment for you.

Okay, now let's see how to use this medicine exactly.

To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it properly.

• Take this pill with a full glass of water.
• You can take this before or after meals. However, some people may experience a slight stomach upset if they take it before meals. If that happens, take the medicine with food.
• Take the prescribed dose at the time your doctor prescribes. Try to take it at the same time every day without skipping any appointments.
• The most important thing: Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full number of days your doctor prescribed. If you stop taking the medicine after two or three days, the bacteria that caused the infection may not be completely killed, and the infection may come back. This is called antibiotic resistance .

Something to pay special attention to!

Do not take antacids like Gaviscon, iron tablets, calcium tablets, or vitamins containing zinc with Levofloxacin. Avoid taking these within 2 hours of taking this medicine and for 2 hours after taking it , as they significantly reduce the absorption of this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Oh, there are times when I think I forgot to take my medicine. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose (like 2-3 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Other drugs that may interact with Levofloxacin (Drug Interactions)

Other medications you are taking may interact with Levofloxacin. Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including those prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).

Things to be careful about while taking this medicine

• Stomach upset and diarrhea: This medicine may cause some people to have an upset stomach. However, if it lasts more than two days, becomes severe, or is accompanied by diarrhea, do not take the medicine yourself from the pharmacy and call your doctor immediately.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may change while taking this medicine. Therefore, it is important to check your blood sugar levels regularly. If you notice any changes, talk to your doctor.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
• Sun sensitivity: This medicine may cause photosensitivity (skin sensitivity to sunlight). Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you do go outside, wear long clothing, a hat, and sunscreen .

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Levofloxacin can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, we should be aware of some serious symptoms.

Overdose

If you think you have taken more than the recommended dose of this medicine, do not ignore it. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Otherwise, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

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