Doctors On Call

Bacteria- our longtime adversaries

Nothing has had an influence on the history of humanity as the bacteria have. In fact, we wouldn’t be able to function if not for certain types of bacteria that can be found in our bodies and that aid us in the most natural processes that are vital to our existence. For instance, we wouldn’t be able to digest food if there weren’t for certain bacteria in our digestive system that are responsible for proper digestion. There are other examples, but it would be a very long article if we were to mention them all, let alone cover them in-depth. Still, there is the other face of bacteria, a much more sinister one, a face that has been responsible for more deaths than all the other natural and not so natural causes combined. A large number of illnesses that have taken hundreds of millions of lives in our history are caused by bacteria. The most dramatic representative of which is certainly the plague that has decimated the human population over the course of its history. The bacteria were able to be so effective in killing us because we were virtually helpless against the bacteria until the 19^th century when we discovered penicillin. In the years and decades that followed, we dedicated much time and resources in developing new medications that can battle bacterial infections – antibiotics.

Where does Levaquin fit in?

Levaquin is a second-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, while it has even been described as a third-generation fluoroquinolone. This type of antibiotics is the most potent one and it is used primarily for bacterial infections that are considered severe or even life-threatening. Some of the infections that are treated with Levaquin include community-acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infections, infections of the skin and soft tissue, nosocomial pneumonia, inhalational anthrax, chronic bacterial psotatitis, acute bacterial sinusititis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis as well as acute pyelonephritis. In children, the use of Levaquin is limited to inhalational anthrax.

What to keep in mind about Levaquin

Levaquin is a rather powerful antibiotic and as such it can affect different medical conditions in adverse fashion. For example, heart rhythm disorder is a condition that will prevent you from taking Levaquin altogether. Some other conditions, such as liver or kidney diseases, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, epilepsy, diabetes, history of Long QT syndrome and hypokalemia will warrant some additional testing and special regimens that will ensure that you do not suffer from any Levaquin side effects. You should inform yourself further about any possible side effects, but also about any interactions that might happen when combining Levaquin with other medications. Antibiotics are most efficient when taken regularly and Levaquin is no different. Also, it is important that you do not stop using the medication before your doctor tells you to, even if you are feeling no more symptoms of the infection that you are being treated for.  If you do, you risk from making your infection even worse.