Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Diagnosed With Pneumonia. Took Levaquin. Have Fever. Took Tylenol. When Should I See A Doctor?
Question: 85 year old mother - sick since Tuesday - today diagnosed with pneumonia, taken first dose of Levaquin - she is home - just had fever 102.7 - made her take off heavy robe - drinking liquids - ice chips - cold compress - fever down to 100., after Tylenol and these interventions.
Is it ok to give 2 extra strength Tylenol in four hours, instead of six hours, as nights are fever time?
When do we decide to take her to the hospital - that we are not doing good enough?
Is it ok to give 2 extra strength Tylenol in four hours, instead of six hours, as nights are fever time?
When do we decide to take her to the hospital - that we are not doing good enough?
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
With the information provided, your 85 years old mother who is on warfarin (further details not mentioned) is having fever and you have given her Tylenol (acetaminophen) which is a antipyretic (fever) medication. She has also been diagnosed with pneumonia and has taken the first dose of Levaquin (levofloxacin) which is an antibiotic and you are also getting her to drink lots of fluids.
You are doing the right thing, however there are two important things to be noted here:
1. Warfarin and Levofloxacin interact with each other, causing significant elevations in INR (international normalization ratio) values of blood during and up to 1 day after levofloxacin therapy in patients undergoing stable warfarin therapy. This has to be discussed with your doctor.
As acetaminophen (Tylenol) also interacts with warfarin causing elevation in INR values. Regarding giving two extra strength Tylenol in four hours must also be discussed with your doctor as your mother is on warfarin.
2. Since she is already diagnosed to be having pneumonia and I assume a Chest X XXXXXXX has already been done. If not done, it might be required to know the magnitude of the chest problem. Following this, if the fever does not come down and if she has increase in cough, feeling too weak or slightly disoriented (signs of no response to treatment and impending dehydration), then please take her to hospital immediately.
Hope your queries are answered.
Further queries welcome.
Wishing your mother good health.
Regards
Dr Vivek
Thanks for writing in.
With the information provided, your 85 years old mother who is on warfarin (further details not mentioned) is having fever and you have given her Tylenol (acetaminophen) which is a antipyretic (fever) medication. She has also been diagnosed with pneumonia and has taken the first dose of Levaquin (levofloxacin) which is an antibiotic and you are also getting her to drink lots of fluids.
You are doing the right thing, however there are two important things to be noted here:
1. Warfarin and Levofloxacin interact with each other, causing significant elevations in INR (international normalization ratio) values of blood during and up to 1 day after levofloxacin therapy in patients undergoing stable warfarin therapy. This has to be discussed with your doctor.
As acetaminophen (Tylenol) also interacts with warfarin causing elevation in INR values. Regarding giving two extra strength Tylenol in four hours must also be discussed with your doctor as your mother is on warfarin.
2. Since she is already diagnosed to be having pneumonia and I assume a Chest X XXXXXXX has already been done. If not done, it might be required to know the magnitude of the chest problem. Following this, if the fever does not come down and if she has increase in cough, feeling too weak or slightly disoriented (signs of no response to treatment and impending dehydration), then please take her to hospital immediately.
Hope your queries are answered.
Further queries welcome.
Wishing your mother good health.
Regards
Dr Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
