The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient who will receive oral levofloxacin (Levaquin) to treat pneumonia
The patient takes an oral hypoglycemic medication and uses over-the-counter (OTC) antacids to treat occasional heartburn. The patient reports frequent arthritis pain and takes acetaminophen when needed. Which statement by the nurse is correct when teaching this patient?
a. "You may take antacids with levofloxacin to decrease gastrointestinal upset."
b. "You may take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for arthritis pain."
c. "You should monitor your serum glucose more closely while taking levofloxacin."
d. "You should take levofloxacin on an empty stomach to improve absorption."
ANS: C
Levofloxacin may increase the effects of oral hypoglycemic medications, so patients taking these should be advised to monitor their serum glucose levels closely. Antacids decrease the absorption of levofloxacin. NSAIDs taken with levofloxacin can cause central nervous system reactions, including seizures.
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