Levaquin

What is Levaquin?
Levaquin is an antibiotic drug of the fluoroquinolone group. Just like its predecessor Floxin, Levaquin fights bacterial infections of different types (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria). It functions by inhibiting specific enzymes responsible for bacterial division and replication. Levaquin was patented under the name Levoflaxacin in 1987 and was eventually approved by the FDA in 1996.Though Levaquin is the most common name, levofloxacin is also sold under the name Tavanic in Europe. The effectiveness and broad range of use of Levaquin has helped it become one of the most valued antibiotics on the market.

What are the indications for using Levaquin?
Levaquin is indicated for the treatment of:

• Sinus infection – an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which can be acute or chronic, and which causes various respiratory problems and complications in some cases.
• Urinary infection – an inflammation of the urinary tract, which makes urination difficult, painful, or impossible, as well as causing other urinary problems and bringing about symptoms like fever and flank pain.
• E.coli infection – a serious condition, usually occurring after a food contamination and leading to digestive problems, bloody diarrhea, fever, and many other unpleasant symptoms.
• Anthrax exposure – while anthrax is a rare and deadly disease that requires intensive care, Levaquin is one of the drugs often used to combat it.

There are numerous other infections Levaquin treats, and the full list can be obtained from the drug’s manufacturer.

What is the dosage of Levaquin?
Levaquin is commonly sold as 250mg or 500mg tablets, which should be administered orally. Dosage depends on the condition being treated, so most urinary tract infections demand a dose of 250 mg, prostatitis, bronchitis, anthrax, and sinusitis demand 500, while more serious infections like pneumonia require 750 mg per day. However, every patient has different circumstances and should ideally consult a doctor for the proper dosage.

What are the contraindications for using Levaquin?
Levaquin should not be taken by anyone hypersensitive to quinolones, patients suffering from epilepsy, liver disease and tendon rupture. Studies have shown that Levaquin is not compatible with live bacterial vaccines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and hormonal forms of birth control.

What are the adverse effects of Levaquin?
Clinical studies have shown that the most common adverse effects (in about 4%) of patients include nausea, headache, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.