You should know the risks and warnings of Leflox to prevent its misuse.
There are some specific circumstances under which the use of certain medications is contraindicated or considered dangerous. So if you are taking any medicine it's always a good practice to familiarize yourself with its risks and warnings.
The risks and warnings associated with Leflox are:
1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, do not take Leflox unless your doctor advises it. It can affect your baby's health. Breastfeeding mothers should also consult with a healthcare provider before taking it. Generally, they are not given during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of their adverse effects on the baby.
2. Allergic to Leflox
If you are allergic to Levofloxacin, do not take Leflox or any other medicine with the same generic name, as it can result in a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock. Always inform your healthcare provider about the documented allergies you have.
Anaphylactic shock is a rare but severe allergic reaction. If not treated at the right time, it can be life-threatening. The signs and symptoms of an anaphylaxis reaction are hives, pale skin, labored breathing, itching, excessive salivation, feeling too warm, a weak and rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, sneezing, swollen lips and tongue, wheezing, dizziness, low blood pressure, and tingling hands, feet, mouth, or scalp.
3. Non-susceptible organisms
Leflox should be given to the patient only when the bacteria are sensitive to it. If not, it can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it difficult to treat infections next time. It mostly applies to urinary tract infections and infections of the nose, ear, and throat.
4. Diarrhea
Leflox can cause diarrhea. It occurs because, in our digestive tract, healthy bacteria are present that help in digestion. During the antibiotic course, these healthy bacteria are also killed, leading to adverse gastrointestinal effects like diarrhea. Therefore, if you have a complaint of stomach upset, you must report it to your healthcare provider.
5. Tendinitis
If you have any disease or inflammation of tendons, you must not take Leflox as it may exacerbate the condition.
6. Peripheral neuropathy
Leflox can cause peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, avoid its use if you already have the same condition. If you have the same complaint, you must tell your healthcare provider about it.
7. Muscle weakness or Myasthenia Gravis
If you have any disease that causes muscle weakness, like myasthenia gravis, you must not take Leflox, as quinolones can worsen the condition.
8. Seizures
If you have had a history of seizures or you have renal impairment, you must avoid the use of Leflox as it can provoke seizures. Also, if you have conditions that can cause seizures like a brain tumor, brain injury, or cerebral atherosclerosis, you must take Leflox with caution. You must inform your health care provider about your complete health condition.
9. Kidney failure
If your kidneys do not work well, the healthcare provider may lower the dose of the drug. It happens because your kidneys are meant to excrete out the waste and toxins. If that does not happen, the toxins may build up in your body, leading to severe adverse effects. Therefore, you must inform your health care provider about your complete health condition.
10. Gastric ulcers
People suffering from gastric ulcers and acidity must take Leflox with extreme caution because it affects your gastrointestinal tract.
Also, it can cause ulceration in your stomach lining when taken for the long term. Your doctor may prescribe a gastroprotective agent along with it.
11. Liver diseases
Patients with liver disease should take Leflox with caution. It is because your liver helps in the metabolism and excretion of drugs. When it does not work efficiently due to any disease, it can cause an accumulation of the drug in your body, leading to severe adverse effects.
12. Heart diseases and hypertension
If you have a history of heart disease, heart attack, or hypertension, you must take Leflox with caution as it can worsen the preexisting condition.
13. Mental disorders
If you have any mental disorders like depression and anxiety, you must take Leflox with caution as it can worsen the preexisting condition. Always tell your healthcare provider about the health conditions you have.
14. Blood vessels diseases
If you have any disease of the blood vessels like atherosclerosis or aneurysms, you must take Leflox with caution.
15. Marfan syndrome
If you have Marfan syndrome, take Leflox with caution. Always inform your healthcare provider about it as it can worsen the condition.
16. Arrhythmias
If you have a history of arrhythmias (a condition in which the rhythm of the heart gets abnormal) take Leflox with caution because it can cause QT interval prolongation of the heart. It is a life-threatening condition.
