The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Levaquin (levofloxacin), a prescription
Antibiotic
, to treat a range of bacterial infections including bronchitis and sinusitis as well as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. It also treats skin and tissue infections. Fluoroquinolone
Antibiotics
are a group of antibiotics which kill or prevent the growth of bacteria. Levaquin can be taken one time daily, for seven days, in tablets, liquids, or injections. Due to its side effects (such as nerve damage and tendon ruptures), the drug is controversial. The FDA issued warnings regarding the potential risks of Levaquin in response to these concerns. It is still a preferred choice for healthcare professionals to treat bacterial infections.
Levaquin's purported benefits
Levaquin is effective against a wide range of bacteria. A
study
in American Journal of Medicine found that Levaquin is more effective than other antibiotics for treating community-acquired pneumonia, which is a form of pneumonia. Levaquin also had lower rates of relapse than the other antibiotics, according to this
study
. Levaquin can also be used to treat complex urinary tract infections (UTIs). Clinical Infectious Diseases published a
study
that found Levaquin to be more effective at treating UTIs due to certain bacteria. Levaquin is also effective at treating soft and skin infections such as abscesses and cellulitis. In treating cellulitis or abscesses, Levaquin proved to be more effective than any other antibiotics according to a
study
in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Expert Opinions on Levaquin
Experts are unanimous in their belief that Levaquin can be used to treat a wide range of bacteria. Board-certified doctor Stephen Barrett says that Levaquin can be used to treat bacterial infections. As resistance can develop if the medication is stopped early, Dr. Stephen Barrett recommends patients continue to take Levaquin. Professor of Medicine at the University of Iowa Michael B. Edmond agrees with Dr. Edmond that Levaquin can be used safely and effectively to treat bacterial infections. The drug is well-tolerated and unlikely to have any side effects.
Levaquin: How do you get started?
It is important that you consult your doctor before taking Levaquin. Based on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor will determine the right dosage and length of treatment. Levaquin should be taken for 7 days, once per day. Adult dosages range from 250mg to 500mg per day. To ensure precision, measure the liquid with a measuring spoon. Levaquin should be taken exactly as directed. Even if you feel well, do not discontinue taking Levaquin. You could end up with drug-resistant bacteria.
Do you need to be aware of any side-effects?
There are possible side effects to Levaquin, as with all medicines. Side effects that are common include dizziness and headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Side effects that are less common, but can be more severe, include tendon ruptures and nerve damage. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any side effects. Levaquin may interact with certain medications. Before starting Levaquin, it is important that you tell your doctor all medications.
Conclusion
Levaquin, an antibiotic that is effective in treating many bacterial infections such as bronchitis and sinusitis and pneumonia, can also be used to treat skin and tissue infections and urinary tract infections. Levaquin is generally tolerated well and has few side effects. To avoid drug resistance and other complications, you should follow the doctor's directions..