DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Levofloxacin

March 21, 2017

Levofloxacin Ophthalmic drops, solution

What is this medicine?

LEVOFLOXACIN (lee voe FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • wear contact lenses

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better in 2 to 3 days or if they get worse.

If your eyes are more sensitive to light, wear sunglasses.

Do not wear contact lenses while you have any signs or symptoms of an eye infection. Ask your doctor or health care professional when you can start wearing your contacts again.

Stop using this medicine immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • blurred vision that does not go away

  • burning, stinging, or itching of the eyes or eyelids

  • redness, swelling, or pain of the eyes or eyelids

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • temporary blurred vision

  • tearing or feeling of something in the eye

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused eye solution after the expiration date.

Levofloxacin Oral solution

What is this medicine?

LEVOFLOXACIN(lee voe FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bone problems

  • cerebral disease

  • history of low levels of potassium in the blood

  • irregular heartbeat

  • joint problems

  • kidney disease

  • myasthenia gravis

  • seizures

  • tendon problems

  • tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth 1 hour before, or 2 hours after eating. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon to measure the dose. Household spoons are not accurate. Take the medicine at the same times each day. Finish all of the medicine even if you think you are better.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • arsenic trioxide

  • chloroquine

  • droperidol

  • medicines for irregular heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol

  • some medicines for depression or mental problems like phenothiazines, pimozide, and ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • amoxapine

  • antacids

  • birth control pills

  • cisapride

  • dairy products

  • didanosine (ddI) buffered tablets or powder

  • haloperidol

  • multivitamins

  • NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

  • retinoid products like tretinoin or isotretinoin

  • risperidone

  • some other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin

  • sucralfate

  • theophylline

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days. Drink several glasses of water a day and cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. You must not get dehydrated.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reading stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.

Avoid antacids, calcium, iron, and zinc products for 2 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • anxious

  • confusion

  • depressed mood

  • diarrhea

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • joint, muscle, or tendon pain or swelling

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • sunburn

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • nausea

  • trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature of 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Levofloxacin Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

LEVOFLOXACIN (lee voe FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bone problems

  • cerebral disease

  • history of low levels of potassium in the blood

  • irregular heartbeat

  • joint problems

  • kidney disease

  • myasthenia gravis

  • seizures

  • tendon problems

  • tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • arsenic trioxide

  • chloroquine

  • droperidol

  • medicines for irregular heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol

  • some medicines for depression or mental problems like phenothiazines, pimozide, and ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • amoxapine

  • antacids

  • birth control pills

  • cisapride

  • dairy products

  • didanosine (ddI) buffered tablets or powder

  • haloperidol

  • multivitamins

  • NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

  • retinoid products like tretinoin or isotretinoin

  • risperidone

  • some other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin

  • sucralfate

  • theophylline

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Drink several glasses of water a day and cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. You must not get dehydrated while taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reading stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.

Avoid antacids, calcium, iron, and zinc products for 2 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • anxious

  • confusion

  • depressed mood

  • diarrhea

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • joint, muscle, or tendon pain or swelling

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • sunburn

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • nausea

  • trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in a tightly closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Levofloxacin Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

LEVOFLOXACIN (lee voe FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bone problems

  • cerebral disease

  • history of low levels of potassium in the blood

  • irregular heartbeat

  • joint problems

  • kidney disease

  • myasthenia gravis

  • seizures

  • tendon problems

  • tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications

  • arsenic trioxide

  • chloroquine

  • droperidol

  • medications for irregular rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol

  • some medicines for depression or mental problems like phenothiazines, pimozide, and ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications

  • amoxapine

  • birth control pills

  • cisapride

  • haloperidol

  • NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

  • retinoid products like tretinoin or isotretinoin

  • risperidone

  • some other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin

  • theophylline

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days. Drink several glasses of water a day and cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. You must not get dehydrated while taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reading stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • anxious

  • confusion

  • depressed mood

  • diarrhea

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • joint, muscle, or tendon pain or swelling

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • sunburn

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • nausea

  • pain, irritation at the site of injection

  • trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

Levofloxacin, Dextrose Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

LEVOFLOXACIN (lee voe FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bone problems

  • cerebral disease

  • history of low levels of potassium in the blood

  • irregular heartbeat

  • joint problems

  • kidney disease

  • myasthenia gravis

  • seizures

  • tendon problems

  • tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications

  • arsenic trioxide

  • chloroquine

  • droperidol

  • medications for irregular rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol

  • some medicines for depression or mental problems like phenothiazines, pimozide, and ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications

  • amoxapine

  • birth control pills

  • cisapride

  • haloperidol

  • NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

  • retinoid products like tretinoin or isotretinoin

  • risperidone

  • some other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin

  • theophylline

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days. Drink several glasses of water a day and cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. You must not get dehydrated while taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reading stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • anxious

  • confusion

  • depressed mood

  • diarrhea

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • joint, muscle, or tendon pain or swelling

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • sunburn

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • nausea

  • pain, irritation at the site of injection

  • trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert