Alternatives to Levaquin

Fluoroquinolones are useful as well as popular types of antibiotics used and prescribed to millions of people.  They can have some severe side effects that people have reported, but their ability to treat and cure bacterial infections is impressive and used by many doctors and physicians today.  Unfortunately, the side effects and adverse events that have been suffered by some users have prompted Levaquin lawsuit litigation across the country. 

Levaquin is also known as levofloxacin and is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.  It is prescribed usually in pill or liquid form to patients that need treatment with skin, sinuses, prostate, kidney, or bladder bacterial infections.  These types of antibiotics are powerful and can have disabling side effects and should only be used if other antibiotics or medications won’t work or cause allergic reactions.

Levaquin can have many side effects, with some being more serious than others.  Many people experience upset stomachs, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea when taking antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones.  Levaquin can cause swelling or tearing of tendons in the body which can occur during treatment or sometime after it has been stopped.  Patients that have arthritis, joint, or tendon problems are not recommended to take this type of medication.  Also, some people are allergic to fluoroquinolones, and should not take Levaquin or any other fluoroquinolone.

Levaquin can pose some issues to its users even though treatment may be effective. Some of these issues are life-threatening and include aortic dissection and aneurysm. Fortunately, there are alternatives to Levaquin available for consideration.  Other types of medications such as Bactrim and Keflex are available on the market today and have similar characteristics to treat bacterial infections.

Bactrim – Bactrim also treats bacterial infections and is available as a generic.  It can cause skin to be much more sensitive to UV rays and may also cause birth defects.  Bactrim works by killing the bacteria and preventing further contamination by eliminating their ability to make protein that may keep them alive.  It is available in both pill and liquid form and has a higher rating than Levaquin from its users.

Keflex – Keflex kills bacteria as well and is also available as a generic.  People that take blood thinners should consider another alternative to Keflex as it the user will be more likely to bleed if taking a combination of the two drugs.  Keflex, also known as Cephalexin, prevents the bacteria from making a protective covering and kills them.  This is also a highly-ranked alternative to Levaquin and is available by pill or powder for oral suspension.  

These alternatives to Levaquin come with their own set of side effects, but many are not as severe or debilitating as the effects that Levaquin can produce.  All these drugs are prescription only and should follow the doctors recommended instructions and dosages carefully for maximum results.