Levaquin Antibiotic

Levaquin is a widely used and effective antibiotic medication used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.

Treating Infections with Levaquin

Some infections most commonly treated with Levaquin include:

� Acute Sinusitis
� Chronic Bronchitis
� Pneumonia
� Skin Infections
� Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

Levaquin tablets are color coded according to the strength of the tablet; 250 mg tablets are terra cotta, 500 mg tablest are peach, and 750 mg tablets are white. Generally they are prescribed as single-dose treatments and the strength of the dose will depend on the height, weight, age, and general health of the patient. Children will generally be prescribed an oral liquid dosage based on their age and weight. The prescriptions will usually include dosages for five to fourteen days, depending on the severity of the infection. Levaquin can also be administered as an injection and will be a liquid ranging in color from clear yellow to a greenish-yellow solution.

While Taking a Levaquin Antibiotic

It�s important to remember that antibiotics are used again bacterial infections, and because colds and flus are caused by viral infections, drugs like Levaquin and other antibiotics cannot treat or cure these kinds of illnesses. It is also important to remember that antibiotics work best when there is a consistent level of the drug in the body, so it is best to take the drug in regular intervals and to avoid missing a dose. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, but never as a double dose. Also the full prescription of antibiotics should always be taken even after the patient begins to feel better.

It is also important to let the prescribing doctor know of any other drugs or supplements being taken by the patient since Levaquin can have unwanted interactions with other drugs. Most commonly patients who take supplements that contain iron, magnesium, calcium or zinc have experienced decreased efficacy with the drug since these minerals interfere with the intestines� ability to absorb the drug into the bloodstream.

Pregnant or nursing women should not take Levaquin because of serious side effects that could effect the health of the fetus or nursing infant. These same side effects can effect those under the age of 18, and so the drug should also not be taken by juveniles under this age.

As with any antibiotic, prolonged use may lead to an oral thrush or vaginal yeast infection since the antibiotic properties will decrease the natural bacterial fauna in the body.
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