What it means
A broad-spectrum antibiotic for pneumonia, sinus infections, complicated urinary tract and kidney infections, and some skin infections. Because of serious risks, it is saved for infections where other choices do not fit. Its boxed warning covers tendon inflammation and rupture, nerve damage, mental and nervous system effects, and worsening of myasthenia gravismy-us-THEE-nee-uh GRAV-isA long-term autoimmune disease in which antibodies block the signals passing from nerves to muscles.my/o muscle-asthenia weaknessgravis seriousFull entry .
For the nurse
Give it 2 hours before or after antacids, iron, calcium or zinc, which block absorption. Teach the client to report tendon pain, tingling, confusion or a fast heartbeat, to drink fluids and to avoid strong sun. It can raise or lower blood glucose in clients with diabetes.
At a glance
| Drug class | antibiotic (fluoroquinolone) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Levaquin |
| Spanish | levofloxacino |
| Also written | Levaquin |
Easy to confuse with
levetiracetam
An anticonvulsant drug, given by mouth or IV, used to prevent and treat seizures.
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
pneumonia
An infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.
myasthenia gravis
A long-term autoimmune disease in which antibodies block the signals passing from nerves to muscles.
tendon
A tough cord of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.