Levofloxacin

Patient Information

Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection in your body.

What Levofloxacin is used for:

Levofloxacin is prescribed to treat infections of the:

• sinuses
• lungs, in people with long-term breathing problems or pneumonia
• urinary tract, including your bladder or kidneys
• skin and underneath the skin, including muscles. This is sometimes called ‘soft tissue’
• prostate gland, where you have a long lasting infection

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Levofloxacin if :

• you are allergic to levofloxacin, or any other quinolone antibiotic such as moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin or any of the other ingredients of this medicines.

• you have ever had epilepsy
• you have ever had tendon problems (e.g. tendonitis) related to treatment with a ‘quinolone antibiotic’.

• you are pregnant, might become pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• you are breast-feeding
• you are a child or growing teenager

Who should not take Levofloxacin:

• If you are allergic to levofloxacin, or any other quinolone antibiotic such as moxifloxacin,
• ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin or any of the other ingredients of this medicines.
• If you have ever had epilepsy
• If you have ever had tendon problems (e.g. tendonitis) related to treatment with a ‘quinolone
• antibiotic’.
• If you are pregnant, might become pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• If you are breast-feeding
• If you are a child or growing teenager

How to take your Levofloxacin:

• Take this medicine by mouth
• Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water
• The tablets may be taken during meals or at any time between meals
  • Do not take iron tablets, zinc supplements, antacids, didanosine or sucralfate at the same time as levofloxacin. Take your dose at least 2 hours before or after Levofloxacin tablets.

What to do if you forget to take a dose :

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

While taking your medicine :

• You may get side effects after taking this medicine, including feeling dizzy, sleepy, a spinning feeling (vertigo) or changes to your eyesight. Some of these side effects can affect you being able to concentrate and your reaction speed. If this happens, do not drive or carry out any work that requires a high level of attention.
• Do not stay out in strong sunlight or use a sun lamp or solarium whilst you are taking these tablets.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• pain and swelling in the joints and inflammation or rupture of tendons may occur rarely. Your risk is increased if you are elderly (above 60 years of age), have received an organ transplant, have kidney problems or if you are being treated with corticosteroids. Inflammation and ruptures of tendons may occur within the first 48 hours of treatment and even up to several months after stopping of Levofloxacin tablets therapy. At the first sign of pain or inflammation of a tendon (for example in your ankle, wrist, elbow, shoulder or knee), stop taking Levofloxacin tablets contact your doctor and rest the painful area. Avoid any unnecessary exercise as this might increase the risk of a tendon rupture.
• symptoms of nerve damage (neuropathy) such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness especially in the feet and legs or hands and arms. If this happens, stop taking Levofloxacin tablets and inform your doctor immediately.
• an allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems,

swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue.

• watery diarrhoea which may have blood in it, possibly with stomach cramps and a high

temperature. These could be signs of a severe bowel problem

• Pain and inflammation in your tendons or ligaments. The Achilles tendon is affected most often

and in some cases, the tendon could break

• Fits (convulsions)

What to do if you take too many tablets :

If you accidentally take more tablets than you should, tell a doctor or get other medical

advice straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken.The following effects may happen: convulsive fits (seizures), feeling confused, dizzy, less conscious having tremor and heart problems leading to uneven heart beats as well as feeling sick (nausea) or having stomach burning.

Side effects :

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These effects are normally mild or moderate and often disappear after a short time.

• Common: Sleeping problems, Headache, feeling dizzy, Feeling sick (nausea, vomitting) and diarrhea, Increase in the level of some liver enzymes in your blood.
• Uncommon: Changes in the number of other bacteria or fungi, infection by fungi named Candida, Changes in the number of white blood cells shown up in the results of some blood tests , Feeling stressed, feeling confused, feeling nervous, feeling sleepy, trembling, a spinning feeling (vertigo), Shortness of breath, Changes in the way things taste, loss of appetite, stomach upset or indigestion, pain in your stomach area, feeling bloated or constipation, Itching and skin rash, severe itching or hives, sweating too much, Joint pain or muscle pain, Blood tests may show unusual results due to liver or kidney problems, General weakness.

Reporting of side effects:

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed here.

You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.dorsapharma.com/ (ADR form)

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.