Levofloxacin Tablets 500mg
Levofloxacin tablets 500mg is an antibiotic, meaning it can be used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic as it can deal with both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Levofloxacin works by inhibiting DNA replication and hence inhibiting the process of cell division. The will ultimately kill the cell of the bacterium, therefore this drug is bactericidal.
Indications of Levofloxacin.
Levofloxacin helps your body fight bacterial infections in your body, making it effective against infections of the following;
- Urinary tract infections.
- Long-lasting bacterial infections that have affected your bladder.
- In the Pulmonary system, it can also be used against pneumonia infection.
- Sinuses.
Recommended dosage.
Depending on the infections, your can take one tablet a day, or one tablet twice daily. Please seek advice from your medical practitioner so that they can prescribe the appropriate dosage to suit your condition.
Levofloxacin for those with Kidney problems.
If you have a problem with your kidneys, please see your doctor before using the drug. Your doctor will advise you accordingly and will either recommend another drug, or lower the drug dosage to avoid further damage to your kidneys.
Contraindications in using Levofloxacin.
Drugs have various reactions in the body especially when they come into contact with other drugs that had been taken before. Some of the Contraindications of Levofloxacin 500mg tabs include;
- You should use Levofloxacin carefully when using drugs that reduces inflammations. These drugs are known as corticosteroids. An example of a corticosteroid is hydrocortisone.
- A drug that is used to thin blood is called warfarin.
- NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and indomethacin.
You should also be careful not to take Levofloxacin with drugs such as iron tablets, zinc supplements, aluminium or magnesium-containing antiacid drugs and sucralfate.
Adverse Reactions of Levofloxacin You Should Watch Out For.
Some of the most common adverse reactions of using Levofloxacin 500mg tablets are nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and a change in your body levels of liver enzymes.
Some of the uncommon side effects are rash, loss of appetite, stomach upset, dizziness, headaches and general body weakness.
The drug may also have some rare side effects that can be serious, so watch out. Some of these rare side effects are an allergic reaction to the drug which may be life-threatening. One of the signs of the drug reaction is itching, known as urticaria.
Who Should Contact Their Doctor Before Using The Drug?
- Those with kidney problems. The kidneys are responsible for the removal of the drug and the body’s waste from the body. Therefore, if your kidneys are damaged, this function is limited. It is recommended that you consult a medical practitioner before you use the drug.
- If you have ever had a seizure or a fit before.
- If you are experiencing any sort of brain damage, either from a stroke or any other condition.
- If you have any sort of liver problem. The liver is responsible for the metabolism of the drug in your body, therefore if it is damaged, this function is limited.
- The elderly who are 60 years and above should also see a doctor before using the drug.
- If you are diabetic.
- It is also good to remember that one of the side effects of Levofloxacin is dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving during this period, or any other activities that require a high level of attention.
- Do not take the drug when pregnant or planning to have an infant. Seek medical advice first.
Also read: stages of labour
Overdose of Levofloxacin.
If you or another person accidentally takes more tablets than required, immediately seek medical attention from the nearest health facility
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