Levoquin 500 mg Tablet

Levoquin 500 mg Tablet contains 500 mg of levofloxacin in each tablet. It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, not viral illnesses like colds or the flu. This strength is typically prescribed when a doctor wants a full adult treatment dose of levofloxacin in tablet form. Levoquin 500 mg Tablet should be taken only for infections a clinician has confirmed or strongly suspects are caused by bacteria.

How it works: Levofloxacin works by blocking bacterial enzymes that bacteria need to copy their DNA and multiply. As an oral tablet, Levoquin 500 mg Tablet delivers the medicine through the digestive tract so it can reach the bloodstream and fight susceptible bacteria throughout the body.

Levoquin 500 mg Tablet is a higher-strength tablet than Levoquin 250 mg Tablet, so it is generally chosen when a doctor needs a larger dose in a single tablet or a once-daily regimen. Because it delivers 500 mg per tablet, it is not a starting strength for everyone and may be used for specific infections, kidney-adjusted schedules, or when the prescriber wants fewer tablets. It may be convenient for adults who can swallow tablets and need a more intensive dose than the 250 mg strength.

• Bacterial sinus infections
• Certain lung infections such as pneumonia
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Prostatitis caused by susceptible bacteria

• Swallow Levoquin 500 mg Tablet whole with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew it unless your prescriber says otherwise.
• Take it at the same time each day if prescribed once daily.
• You can take it with or without food, but avoid taking it at the same time as antacids, iron, zinc, calcium supplements, or sucralfate.
• If you are told to separate doses from dairy products or fortified drinks, follow that spacing carefully because they can lower absorption.
• Drink enough fluids unless your doctor has told you to limit fluids.
• Finish the full course even if you feel better before the tablets are gone.

Each Levoquin 500 mg Tablet provides 500 mg of levofloxacin per tablet. Depending on the infection and your kidney function, it may be taken once daily or on a different schedule decided by the doctor; do not take more than the prescribed number of tablets in one day. The exact dose and duration are individualized, and this higher-strength tablet is only for use under medical supervision.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Levofloxacin may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Abdominal pain
• Sensitivity to sunlight

• Levoquin 500 mg Tablet is a higher-strength fluoroquinolone and should be used only when a clinician believes the benefit outweighs the risks.
• Use extra caution if you are older, have kidney problems, or have a history of tendon disorders.
• Avoid excessive sun or tanning beds because levofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this tablet affects you, since dizziness can occur.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, myasthenia gravis, QT prolongation, or heart rhythm problems.
• Let your clinician know about diabetes because levofloxacin can affect blood sugar levels.
• Alcohol may worsen dizziness or stomach upset in some people, so limit it if your prescriber advises.

• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum
• Iron, zinc, calcium, or multivitamins with minerals
• Sucralfate
• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• Certain antiarrhythmic medicines that can affect heart rhythm

Store Levoquin 500 mg Tablet at room temperature in the original strip or box, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light.