Medicines and Drugs
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Levofloxacin and Dextrose 5%-water intraven.
Drug Name Levofloxacin and Dextrose 5%-water intraven.
Levofloxacin and Dextrose 5%-water intraven. Drug Category LEVOFLOXACIN - INJECTION
Levofloxacin and Dextrose 5%-water intraven. Drug Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
LEVOFLOXACIN - INJECTION
(lev-oh-FLOX-uh-sin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levaquin
USES: This medication is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat certain types of bacterial infections (e.g., respiratory infections, skin infections or urinary system infections).
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by vein (IV) over at least 60 minutes, generally once daily or as directed by your doctor. The length of treatment depends on your condition and response to therapy. When possible, you will be switched to an antibiotic you can take by mouth. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication, unless otherwise directed. If you are unable to take fluids by mouth, you will be given fluids through a vein. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at the same time of day and night. Continue to take antibiotic medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection. Follow all instructions for proper use or the proper mixing with the correct IV fluids. Consult your pharmacist. This medication should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, pain/redness at the injection site, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, vomiting, change in taste, headache or dizziness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: "sunburn" (sun sensitivity), joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling, stomach pain, unusual vaginal discharge or itching, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: seizures, mental/mood changes, restlessness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, confusion, change in amount of urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush, or a new yeast infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: heart problems (e.g. QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor your medical history especially of: allergies (especially to quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), kidney disease, seizures, tendon problems, nervous system disorders, blood vessel disease, brain disorders (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumors or increased intracranial pressure). This drug may make you dizzy or lightheaded; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Contact your doctor for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information from a related drug, this medication may pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may take especially of: other antibiotics, "blood thinner" (e.g., warfarin), diabetes medication (e.g., glyburide, insulin), foscarnet, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin), theophylline, live vaccines. Other drugs besides levofloxacin which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatment. Patients with diabetes may experience changes in blood glucose levels due to infection or use of this medication. Monitor your blood glucose frequently while using this medication and notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, sweating and fast pulse.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store vials at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Consult your pharmacist for details about storage and stability of the drug before and after unwrapping (bags) or mixing with correct IV fluids (vials). Discard unused portions.