bronchitis and levaquin

[twinmaker]

I have a question. I was diagnosed with bronchitis three weeks ago. A pretty bad case according to the doc. He prescribed Omnicef for ten days. I felt a little better (I stress the word little) but the cough was as bad as ever. I had a low grade fever when this started. Two nights ago, I started running another fever...this one higher. Right now it's 101.4. I went back to the doc today and he did a chest x-ray and ruled out pneumonia but said the bronchitis was still there. He prescribed Levaquin for ten days. While reading up on this antibiotic on the internet, it mention Warfarin specifically. Is this just the usual problem that an antibiotic can do to my INR? It also mentioned something about long Q-T??? Not sure if I have that or not. Any help would be appreciated. LINDA

 

[Ross]

WARFARIN SODIUM (in Coumadin) may interact with LEVOFLOXACIN (in Levaquin)

Although the cause of this potential interaction is not clearly understood, levofloxacin may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Warfarin is generally used to prevent your blood from "coagulating" or forming blood clots. When levofloxacin and warfarin are used at the same time, your blood may be much less likely to clot and this may increase the risk of excessive bleeding. If these drugs are taken together, your doctor may want to monitor you closely when therapy with levofloxacin is either started or stopped. Blood tests can be used to make sure that you are getting the right amount of warfarin. If you are experiencing problems, it may be necessary to adjust the dose of warfarin. Your doctor may also consider switching to a drug that is similar to levofloxacin, but that is less likely to cause problems with warfarin. Ask your healthcare provider about these drugs and this potential interaction as soon as possible.

This interaction is well-documented and is considered major in severity.

Last Updated: February 2007

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Intera...5&cD=381&dN="Coumadin"+"Levaquin"+&CheckFDA=1

Get your INR checked 3 days after starting these to see how much of an adjustment need be made in the dose.

Youi might want to ask him why he didn't give you Avelox.
http://www.avelox.pharma.bayer.com/en/home.html

 

[twinmaker]

Thanks for the info Ross. I'll test my INR in a couple of days. I started the Levaquin last night. LINDA

 

[Ross]

Like right now, for my Cellulitis I'm on Keflex. I had to back off 10% of my weekly dose to stay in range.

 

[twinmaker]

Thanks Ross and Rachel for your advice. I will stay on top of my INR. I wonder if the fever I'm having will have any effect on my INR? I rarely run fevers but this bout of bronchitis has made me feel like......(you pick the word). I'm having chills one minute and feel like I'm going to freeze to death and I literally fill up the bath tub with hot water and sit there to get warm. Then the next minute, I'm burning up and sweating. I'll be glad when this is over. LINDA

 

[twinmaker]

Oh, and I almost forgot the incessant coughing. I spent last night trying to sleep upright in the lazy boy. Reminded me of my old OHS days! Sorry for venting. LINDA