Levaquin Side Effects
As far as the clinical reports are concerned, the side effects of Levaquin obviously outnumber its benefits to the patients. Levaquin is the trade name for the fluoroquinone-based antibiotic called levofloxacin. It helps the body in the battle against harmful bacteria and it practically achieves in treating various bacterial infections. Still, it has several adverse effects in store.
The side effects of Levaquin can be described generally as mild to severe conditions. If truth has to be told, most of these conditions are chronic or long-term in nature. Here are the ill effects that one can expect while on Levaquin drug therapy:
- Tendon Ruptures – It is often the result of constant muscle weakness. If ignored, it may lead to a chronic condition and may even aggravate an existing case of myasthenia. Immediate medical attention is advised once the patient experiences tendon pains and inflammation.
- Peripheral Neuropathy – It is the disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS) that can be associated with mood changes and degenerative memory. As one of the severe side effects of Levaquin, it is terminal by nature and hence irreversible.
- Liver Damage – The symptoms of an impending damage of the liver typically include the occurrence of dark-colored urine and light-colored feces, appetite loss, general weakness and yellowing of the skin. They may lead to a severe hepatic condition if not given the proper medical attention.
- Kidney Damage – Due to the fact that the substance follows renal metabolism, it poses a risk for the kidneys as toxic reactions may occur during excretion. This effect is of high risk to patients who already have dysfunctional kidneys.
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome – It is characterized by a severe inflammation of the skin and mucuous membranes, which typically occur shortly after an allergic reaction to a particular drug.
- Allergic Reactions – Patients who have manifested allergic reactions to levofloxacin and other quinolone substances in the drug generally experience the appearance of hives and swollen lips, as well as difficulty of breathing. Continuing the use of the drug will only lead to prolonged suffering.
- Abnormal Blood Sugar Levels – Hypo- or hyperglycemia can possibly occur along with the other common side effects of Levaquin. Diabetic patients, including those with kidney problems are not advised to take levofloxacin due to the risk of acquiring a more complicated condition.
- Heart Problems – One of the telling signs of a heart problem due to Levaquin intake is the irregular rhythm of the heart. It may eventually progress into a hypertension or low blood pressure.
- Acute Pancreatitis – The inflammation of the pancreas may be due to the changes that have been brought on by the presence of levofloxacin in the body. Pancreas is responsible for the transport of the insulin and other related hormones to the bloodstream. Because of the exposure to toxic hormones, the organ becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis can lead to death.
- Hypokalemia – The insufficiency or the lack of potassium in the blood is one of the culprits in incidents involving cardiac arrest, heartbeat irregularities and disorientation.
As for the minor effects of levofloxacin intake, a patient may experience stomach upsets, diarrhea and headaches. There is nothing to fear about these things, though; these are almost always present in other drugs as well. However, if inconvenience occurs more than necessary, it is best to see the doctor right away.
Contraindication in pregnant women is still not made clear, although the levofloxacin is categorized with ‘C’. This drug is also subject to dangerous interaction with other substances, which is why it is advisable to refrain from using multiple drugs at the time of Levaquin therapy. Patients with liver disease are usually cautioned about the ill side effects of Levaquin to their already bothersome condition.
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