Act-Levofloxacin tablets

Act-Levofloxacin tablets

This product is manufactured by Actavis Pharma Company using the ingredient levofloxacin.

This product is taken orally.


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orally

Why is it prescribed?

Levofloxacin is used to treat infections caused by various bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of respiratory tract infections (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis).

Use exactly as prescribed.
Act-Levofloxacin can be taken with or without food.
Drink plenty of clear fluids (e.g. water) during treatment.
Many antacids (e.g. calcium, magnesium, aluminum), sucralfate and multivitamins (e.g. iron, zinc) may interfere with the absorption of Act-Levofloxacin® and may prevent it from working properly. You should take this either two hours before or two hours after taking these products. Act- Levofloxacin tablets should be taken once daily (every 24 hours) until finished. Take at approximately the same time each day. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
This medication may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you experience lightheadedness, tremors, restlessness or confusion.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent), contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredient as Act-Levofloxacin tablets are •Apo-Levofloxacin tablets •Jamp Levofloxacin tablets •Quinsair™ •Sandoz Levofloxacin tablets •

See other products used in the treatment of •bronchitis •pneumonia •respiratory tract infections •sinus infections •sinusitis •upper respiratory tract infections •tuberculosis •cystic fibrosis •

The usual adult dose for respiratory tract infections is 500mg every 24 hours for 7 to 14 days.
This medication is not recommended for use in children or adolescents less than 18 years of age.


Levofloxacin is an antibiotic medication that kills various bacteria. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial DNA which results in bacterial cell death. Levofloxacin does not kill all types of bacteria, but only those that have a sensitivity to this antibiotic. Infections caused by bacteria that are not sensitive to levofloxacin will not show improvement after taking this medication.


Along with its needed effects, levofloxacin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, levofloxacin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • troubles sleeping
  • stomach discomfort


Uncommon:

  • agitation
  • tremors
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • confusion

Rare:

  • rash
  • pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of bacteria that are not killed by the antibiotic)

 


Use as directed. Many antacids and multivitamins may interfere with the absorption of levofloxacin. You should take levofloxacin either two hours before or two hours after taking these products. Allergic reactions have occurred rarely with levofloxacin use. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar regularly while taking levofloxacin. Discontinue the medication and notify your doctor if a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) reaction occurs.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the levofloxacin may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea may develop while taking levofloxacin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Levofloxacin may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreens and protective clothing and avoid exposure to the sun for long periods of time.
If you experience joint or muscle pain while taking levofloxacin, notify your doctor, rest and do not exercise. There are some reports of tendon tears (mostly in the ankle) occurring during treatment with drugs similar to levofloxacin
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with levofloxacin:
 

  • antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium
  • iron or mineral supplements
  • zinc-containing products
  • warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®)
  • hypoglycemic drugs (e.g. glyburide, insulin)
  • sucralfate (e.g. Sulcrate®)
  • theophylline (e.g. Theo-Dur®)


Use is not recommended in the following situations

  • allergy to levofloxacin or any quinolone (e.g. ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin)

Caution is recommended in the following situations:

  • kidney disease
  • tendon problems (e.g. tendinitis) diabetics on blood sugar lowering agents (e.g. glyburide, insulin)
  • nervous system disorders (e.g. epilepsy)
  • liver disease


Use in pregnancy: Human data suggests low risk, however,  consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Levofloxacin does appear in breast milk however, effects on the infant are unknown.  Other medications in this family are considered appropriate to use if breastfeeding, however, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using.