Take Levaquin at evenly spaced intervals. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Levaquin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Levaquin.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 2 hours late in taking your medicine, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an Levaquin overdose may include loss of balance or coordination, drooping eyelids, weakness, decreased activity, trouble breathing, sweating, tremors, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Levaquin?

There are certain medicines you should not take within the 2 hours before or after you take Levaquin. This includes antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), didanosine (Videx), and vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc. Taking these other medicines too close to your dose of Levaquin can make the antibiotic much less effective.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Levaquin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Levaquin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What are the possible side effects of Levaquin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

 · seizure (convulsions);

 · confusion, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there);

 · a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;

 · urinating less than usual or not at all;

 · tremors or shaking;

 · easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

 · unusual thoughts or behavior;

 · nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

 · sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle);

 · numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling; or

 · diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Continue using Levaquin and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

 · feeling restless or anxious;

 · nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

 · headache, drowsiness, dizziness;

 · sleep problems (insomnia);

 · vaginal itching or discharge; or

 · mild skin itching.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.