Levofloxacin
Pronounced
"LEE-voe-FLOX-a-sin"
Uses
This medication is used to treat people with a certain inherited condition (cystic fibrosis) who have an ongoing lung infection with a certain bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). People with cystic fibrosis produce thick, sticky mucus that can plug up the tubes, ducts and passageways in the lungs. This can result in serious breathing problems and infections in the lungs.
Levofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics. Levofloxacin inhalation solution works by stopping the growth of a certain bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that commonly infects the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. This effect decreases lung infections and damage, and helps to improve breathing.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
Warning
Quinolone antibiotics (including levofloxacin) may cause serious and possibly permanent tendon damage (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture), nerve problems in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy), and nervous system problems. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in your arms/hands/legs/feet, changes in how you sense touch/pain/temperature/vibration/body position, severe/lasting headache, vision changes, shaking (tremors), seizures, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, depression, rare thoughts of suicide).
Tendon damage may occur during or after treatment with this medication. Stop exercising, rest, and get medical help right away if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. Your risk for tendon problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.
This medication may make a certain muscle condition (myasthenia gravis) worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening muscle weakness (such as drooping eyelids, unsteady walk) or trouble breathing.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medication.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using levofloxacin and each time you get a refill. This medication is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication and the nebulizer. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.
Use this medication with the nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. Each treatment lasts about 5 minutes. This medicine is usually used for 28 days in a row, followed by 28 days without this medication, repeating the cycle until your doctor directs you to stop.
Each ampule of levofloxacin is for one-time use. Inspect each ampule before use. Normal solution is slightly yellow. Discard the ampule if the solution is cloudy or has particles in it, or if it has expired. Use all of the contents of the ampule for each dose. Do not mix levofloxacin with any other medicines in the nebulizer.
Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same times every day.
Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.
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