Levomac 500 Tablet

Levomac 500 tablet is an antibiotic medication containing levofloxacin as its active ingredient. It is indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections across various body systems. These include infections of the respiratory tract, such as the lungs, throat, and airways, as well as infections affecting the nose and ears.

Furthermore, it is used for treating bacterial infections within the urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues. Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, exerts its antibacterial effect by targeting and inhibiting two crucial bacterial enzymes: DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are vital for the replication, transcription, repair, and recombination of bacterial DNA.

By blocking their function, levofloxacin effectively prevents bacterial growth and replication, leading to the eradication of the infection. Adherence to the prescribed dosage and duration is essential for effective treatment.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of Levomac 500 tablet are dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness, and fits. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the symptoms or think you have taken too much of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

For optimum effect, doses of antibiotics should not be missed. If you have missed any dose of Levomac 500 tablet take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Levomac 500 tablet prevent bacterial growth by interfering with the vital functions of bacterial cells like protein synthesis that are responsible for growth and development of the bacteria.

Directions for Use

• Levomac 500 tablet should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food.
• Do not cut, break, or chew the medicine.
• Take the medication at a consistent time each day for optimal results. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.
• Complete the full course of this antibiotic medicine as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take the Levomac 500 tablet during pregnancy?

There is limited safety information available about the use of Levomac 500 tablet in pregnant women. If you conceive while taking this medicine, seek immediate medical advice.

Breast Feeding

Can I take the Levomac 500 tablet while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if levofloxacin can pass into human breast milk. However, similar medicines can pass into human breast milk. Hence, Levomac 500 tablet must not be only be used if prescribed by your doctor, while taking this medicine one should not breastfeed.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed the Levomac 500 tablet?

You may experience sleepiness, dizziness and visual disturbances like blurred vision while on treatment with the Levomac 500 tablet. Avoid driving or use any tools and machines if affected.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with the Levomac 500 tablet?

There is no known interaction between alcohol and Levomac 500 tablet. However, long-term use of alcohol can weaken your immune system and body's response to pathogens and infections. Consult your doctor for more information if you drink too often.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have diabetes, psychiatric illness, brain injury, kidney or liver-related problems.
• You have a history of fits, you are above the age of 60 years.
• You are taking steroids.
• You experience low or high blood sugar, consider monitoring your blood sugar frequently if you are diabetic and on antidiabetic medicine.
• You experience nervous system-related symptoms such as confusion, sleeplessness, nightmares, thoughts of harming yourself, feeling low, anxiety, etc. Immediately seek medical advice.
• You have heart problems, a history of heart attack, slow heart rate, salt imbalance.
• You have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (an inherited disorder that affects red blood cells).
• You have or had developed an allergic reaction after taking the Levomac 500 tablet.
• You are suffering from myasthenia gravis, a condition of muscle weakness. This medicine can further worsen the condition of muscle weakness.
• Levomac 500 tablet should not be used by children and adolescents.
• This medicine is known to cause tendon rupture, nerve damage/pain (peripheral neuropathy). Be cautious and tell your doctor if you already have any of this condition before initiating the treatment.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to levofloxacin or any other ingredients of Levomac 500 tablet.
• If you are allergic to a class of medicines called fluoroquinolones. If you are not sure which are these medicines ask your doctor.
• If you have a history of fits and seizures (epilepsy).
• If you have tendons (tendonitis) related problems.
• If you are below 18 years old.
• If you are pregnant/breastfeeding or are planning to become pregnant.

Side effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way the Levomac 500 tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Especially if you are taking medicines to treat your heart problems, brain disorders, other antibiotics, blood thinners, painkillers, steroids.
• Medicines containing aluminum, magnesium or sucralfate used for acidity problems should be taken with a minimum gap of 2 hours with the Levomac 500 tablet.
• Other medicines such as methotrexate, cimetidine, probenecid should be used cautiously along with the Levomac 500 tablet.
• Dietary supplements that contain iron may affect the way this tablet works, therefore, this medicine should be taken two hours before or after having any product that contains iron.

Storage and disposal

• Store Levomac 500 tablet at room temperature in a clean and dry place, protected from moisture, sunlight, and heat.
• Keep the medicine away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I discuss with the physician before starting Levomac 500 tablet?

Levomac 500 tablet can interact with other medicines hence inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines especially supplements or herbs. Also, inform your doctor if you are stopping any medicine.

What precautions should be taken when using Levomac 500 tablet?

• Avoid going out in the sun. Wear a protective covering or use sunscreen (SPF 30 or 40) to prevent sunburn.
• If you experience pain, swelling of a tendon or weakness or inability to use one of your joints; rest and refrain from exercise and discontinue the Levomac 500 tablet treatment immediately and contact your doctor.
• If you experience sudden chest or back or stomach pain, seek medical help immediately.
• Have plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet.

Can I discontinue taking Levomac 500 tablet if I feel my condition is improving?

No, you should not stop taking the Levomac 500 tablet in the middle of the treatment, doing so may cause reinfection or bacterial resistance. Antibiotics must be taken for the complete prescribed duration.

Does Levomac 500 tablet cause diarrhoea?

Yes, you may experience diarrhoea as a side effect after taking the Levomac 500 tablet. If you have severe diarrhoea, reach out to your doctor.

What is Levomac 500 used for?

Levomac 500 tablet is used to treat different types of bacterial infections such as infections of the throat, lung, sinus, kidney, urinary tract, skin and soft tissues.

How to use Levomac 500?

• Levomac 500 tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water, with or without food.
• Do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• Take it at a fixed time for optimal results and do not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.
• Complete the course of this antibiotic medicine as prescribed by your doctor.