MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is treatable with antibiotics like Levaquin (levofloxacin), but is resistant to methicillin and other related antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, and oxacillin. When diagnosed and treated early, the risk of the bacteria spreading to organs and other parts of the body is reduced. Prompt treatment with antibiotics like Levaquin is required for MRSA treatment to be successful. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose and prescribe antibiotics.
Treating MRSA
Levaquin is used to treat more serious MRSA infections. To administer this antibiotic, it is necessary to have an IV. It is most effective when injected slowly over 60-90 minutes every 24 hours until the MRSA bacteria infection is successfully treated. It can be administered in a hospital or at home with a portable pump. A healthcare professional will provide training for home administration. It is essential to complete the course of Levaquin treatment to avoid a worse infection. Before taking this antibiotic, you will be asked not to take antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets. You will need to wait 2 hours after you take Levaquin to take any of the above.
About
Levaquin is an antibiotic that is part of a group of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. Levaquin and Levaquin Leva-Pak are trade names for the antibiotic levofloxacin.
In addition to treating a MRSA infection, Levaquin is also used to treat the infection like those found on/in the following:
- Skin
- Sinuses
- Kidneys
- Bladder
- Prostate
Illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia are treated with Levaquin and it is also used to treat people who are exposed to anthrax. It can be administered orally by tablet or powder, in addition to intravenously.
Side Effects
There may be some side effects when taking Levaquin. Some of the side effects include mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, vaginal itching or discharge. When there are serious side effects from taking this antibiotic, it is recommended that you contact a healthcare professional. Serious side effects can include the following:
- Fainting
- Pounding heartbeat
- Confusion
- Mental problems
- Weakness
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Lack of urination
- Bloody or watery diarrhea
- Skin rash
Your healthcare professional can give you a full list of side effects of Levaquin, which are weighed against the risks of not treating MRSA aggressively.
Alternatives
Antibiotics to treat MRSA are chosen because they are effective on specific strains and how well the patient will tolerate the possible side effects. When Levaquin cannot be used another antibiotic will be chosen, depending on the type of bacteria. Sometimes surgery will also be used for treatment.
Ideally, it is best to try to avoid an MRSA infection by keeping your immune system strong and help prevention. Making sure health care professionals wash their hands and use properly sanitized instruments is one way of prevention. When in areas with large populations like nursing homes, day cares, group homes, and fitness centers, you will want to create barriers when coming in contact with surfaces that may be infected.
When MRSA is diagnosed, the exact strain of bacteria is identified to determine the best and most effective course of treatment. Levaquin is one of the antibiotics that are used for MRSA infection treatment.