Lemit 500mg Tablets

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone group. It treats certain infections caused by bacteria. It is also used to prevent or treat anthrax and plague after exposure.

It does not work against viruses such as colds or flu. Using antibiotics when they are not needed makes resistant infections more likely.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same time each day.

• Tablets can be taken with or without food. The liquid should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
• Keep antacids and supplements with aluminium, magnesium, iron or zinc, and sucralfate, at least 2 hours away from your dose.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Finish the full course even if you feel better, unless you get a serious side effect.
• If you miss a dose, take it if the next dose is more than 8 hours away; otherwise skip it. Never double up.
• Tell your doctor if you are not better in a few days.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea or constipation
• tummy pain or heartburn
• vaginal itching or discharge

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• tendon pain, swelling or a snap or pop in a tendon
• numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in the arms or legs
• fits, shaking, confusion, hallucinations, or thoughts of self-harm
• severe or bloody diarrhoea, even weeks after finishing
• a rash, blisters, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing
• yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
• sudden chest, tummy or back pain, a fast heartbeat or fainting
• signs of low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, confusion

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• are over 60, take steroid medicines, or have had an organ transplant
• have myasthenia gravis (it can make muscle weakness worse)
• have had seizures, a stroke, or kidney or liver disease
• have heart rhythm problems (long QT) or low potassium or magnesium
• have an aortic aneurysm, Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or high blood pressure
• have diabetes
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

It is not usually given to children and teenagers under 18.

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Serious side effects: tendon damage, nerve damage and effects on the brain can happen with this type of antibiotic, sometimes after only one dose, and may last. Stop and contact your doctor at the first sign.

Sunlight: your skin may burn easily. Avoid strong sun and sunbeds, and use sunscreen and protective clothing.

Driving: it can cause dizziness. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.

Diabetes: check your blood sugar more often while taking it.