Winaflox Special Precautions

Levofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy or history of CNS disorders.
Care is necessary in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or myasthenia gravis. An adequate fluid intake should be maintained during treatment to avoid excessive alkalinity of urine because of the risk of crystalluria. Exposure to strong sunlight should also be avoided. The ability to drive or operate machinery may be impaired especially when alcohol is also taken.
Tendon damage may occur and treatment should be discontinued if patients experience tendon pain, inflammation or rupture.
Levofloxacin should also be avoided in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection because of high level of resistance.
Levofloxacin should not be used in patients at increased risk unless there are no other treatment available. Patient at increased risk include those with a history of blockages or aneurysm (abnormal bulges) of the aorta or other blood vessels, high blood pressure, certain genetic disorders involving blood vessels (i.e. Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), and the elderly. Fluoroquinolones can increase the occurrence of serious aortic ruptures which may result to hemorrhage or death. Patients should seek immediate medical treatment for any symptoms associated with aortic aneurysm i.e. throbbing pain in the stomach area, deep pain in back or side of the stomach, pain in the jaw, neck, back or chest, coughing or hoarseness and shortness of breath, trouble breathing or swallowing. Stop fluoroquinolone treatment immediately if a patient reports side effects suggestive of aortic aneurysm or dissection.