Tabletas de levofloxacina para infección

About levofloxacin

What is levofloxacin used for?

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

It works by killing the bacteria which are the cause of the 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 Gotas oftálmicas de levofloxacina.

Side effects of levofloxacin

Common side effects of levofloxacin are:

• Náuseas.

• Vómitos.

• Diarrea.

• Dolor de cabeza.

• Sentirse mareado.

• Problems sleeping.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto informativo del fabricante que se suministra con su medicamento.

Los efectos no deseados a menudo mejoran a medida que su cuerpo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes persiste o se vuelve problemático.

How to manage levofloxacin side effects

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que crea que puede deberse a las tabletas, hable con su médico o farmacéutico para obtener asesoramiento.

Who should not take levofloxacin tablets

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 estás embarazada, intentando concebir o amamantando.

• Si tienes menos de 18 años de edad.

• If you have ever experienced a problem with your tendons, called tendonitis.

• Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tus riñones.

• Si tienes epilepsia u otra condición que cause convulsiones.

• If you have ever had mental health problems.

• Si tienes una afección cardíaca, o si te han dicho que tienes un latido inusual.

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

• Si tienes una condición que causa músculos cansados y débiles, llamada miastenia gravis.

• Si sabes que tienes deficiencia de glucosa-6-fosfato deshidrogenasa (G6PD). Este es un trastorno genético que causa problemas después de comer alimentos como las habas.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

• 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.

How to take levofloxacin tablets

• 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.

Obteniendo el máximo de tu tratamiento

• Recuerda mantener cualquier cita de rutina con tu médico. Esto es para que se pueda monitorear tu progreso.

• 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.

• Algunas personas desarrollan candidiasis (oral o vaginal) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• This antibiotic may stop the oral vacuna oral contra la fiebre tifoidea from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

• 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.

How to store levofloxacin

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
  

  Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas frecuentes

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.