Levofloxacin tablets for infection

About levofloxacin

Levofloxacin is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as sinusitis, infections thoraciques, urine infections, prostatitis, and some skin and soft tissue infections.

Il fonctionne en tuant les bactéries qui sont la cause de l'infection.

Other antibiotics are usually prescribed in preference to levofloxacin. Levofloxacin is reserved for infections which have not improved with other antibiotic treatment. It is also used if other, more preferred, antibiotics cannot be prescribed for some reason.

Levofloxacin is also available as eye drops for the treatment of eye infections. For more information on this use see the leaflet Levofloxacin eye drops.

Common side effects of levofloxacin are:

• Se sentir mal.

• Vomir.

• Diarrhée.

• Maux de tête.

• Sensation de vertige.

• Problems sleeping.

Vous trouverez une liste complète dans la notice d'information du fabricant fournie avec votre médicament.

Les effets indésirables s'améliorent souvent à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais parlez à votre médecin ou pharmacien si l'un des effets suivants persiste ou devient gênant.

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus aux comprimés, consultez votre médecin ou votre pharmacien pour obtenir des conseils.

Some medicines aren’t suitable for certain health conditions or may require extra care. Before taking levofloxacin, it is important to let your doctor know:

• Si vous êtes enceinte, essayez d'avoir un bébé, ou allaitez.

• Si vous avez moins de 18 ans.

• Si vous avez déjà eu un problème avec vos tendons, appelé tendinite.

• Si vous avez des problèmes avec le fonctionnement de vos reins.

• Si vous souffrez d'épilepsie ou de toute autre condition provoquant des crises.

• If you have ever had mental health problems.

• Si vous avez une maladie cardiaque, ou si on vous a dit que vous avez un rythme cardiaque inhabituel.

• If you have aortic aneurysm or a family history of aneurysm disease.

• Si vous avez une condition provoquant des muscles fatigués et faibles, appelée myasthénie grave.

• Si vous savez que vous avez une déficience en glucose-6-phosphate déshydrogénase (G6PD). Il s'agit d'un trouble génétique qui cause des problèmes après avoir consommé des aliments tels que les fèves.

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine, especially to another quinolone antibiotic such as norfloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or nalidixic acid.

• Read the information leaflet in the pack before starting, as it explains levofloxacin and its possible side effects.

• Take levofloxacin exactly as your doctor tells you. The usual dose is 500 mg daily, but it may be 250 mg once daily or 500 mg twice daily depending on your infection. Check the label for your correct dose.

• You can take it before or after meals. If taking once a day, take it in the morning. If more than once a day, space doses about 12 hours apart.

• Swallow tablets with water. You can split them along the score line if needed, but do not crush or chew.

• Avoid antacids, iron, or zinc supplements for two hours before and after each dose, as they reduce how well the medicine works.

• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is due then skip the missed dose. Don’t take two doses at once.

• Finish the full course even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop. Most courses last 7–14 days. See your doctor if you still feel unwell after finishing the treatment.

• N'oubliez pas de respecter tous les rendez-vous de routine avec votre médecin. Cela permet de suivre vos progrès.

• Levofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds, especially in strong sunlight.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines. Avoid NSAID painkillers, such as ibuprofen, while on levofloxacin.

• Certaines personnes développent le muguet (oral ou vaginal) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Cet antibiotique peut arrêter le traitement oral vaccin oral contre la typhoïde de travailler. Si vous recevez des vaccinations, assurez-vous que la personne qui vous traite sait que vous prenez ce médicament.

• Levofloxacin may make you feel light-headed and impair your ability to concentrate. Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive and before you use tools or machines.

• If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar (glucose) levels more regularly, as levofloxacin can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.
  

  Important information about all medicines

How long does it take for levofloxacin to work?

Levofloxacin usually starts to work within a few hours, with most people noticing an improvement in their symptoms after 1-3 days. Always finish your course of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Is levofloxacin safe to take during pregnancy?

Levofloxacin is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may affect developing cartilage and joints in the baby. Doctors usually only prescribe levofloxacin if no safer option is available and the infection is serious.

Can you drink alcohol while taking levofloxacin?

It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking levofloxacin. Alcohol doesn't stop levofloxacin from working, but it can make side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or stomach upset worse and it may slow down your body’s recovery.

Is levofloxacin a penicillin?

No, levofloxacin is not a penicillin. It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which works differently from penicillin-type antibiotics and is used to treat infections when other antibiotics may not be suitable.

What bacteria does levofloxacin kill?

Levofloxacin kills a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means it works against many different bacteria.

What should you avoid while taking levofloxacin?

When taking levofloxacin, you should avoid having dairy products at the time of dose, antacids and supplements - especially iron, calcium, and zinc - within 2 hours before or after your dose, and large amounts of alcohol.