Levaquin
This page contains drug information on Levaquin.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Levaquin
the possible side effects of Levaquin
what happens if you miss a dose of Levaquin
what happens if you overdose with Levaquin
the most important information about Levaquin
how to use Levaquin
other drugs that may affect Levaquin
what to avoid while using Levaquin


Generic Name: levofloxacin (leev oh FLOX a sin)
Brand Names: Levaquin


What is the most important information I should know about levofloxacin?
Take all of the levofloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent the formation of levofloxacin crystals in the urine.
Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of levofloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of levofloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.


What is levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.
Levofloxacin is used to treat various types of bacterial infections.
Levofloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levofloxacin?
Before taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor if you
have kidney disease;
have a seizure disorder;
have a heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval;
have a slow heart rate that is considered a medical condition;
have low levels of potassium in your blood; or
are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances (irregular heartbeats) with drugs such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR, others), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
You may not be able to take levofloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Levofloxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether levofloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether levofloxacin passes into breast milk. Similar drugs are known to affect bone development. Do not take levofloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Levofloxacin is not approved for use by children under 18 years of age. It may interfere with bone development.


How should I take levofloxacin?
Take levofloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent the formation of levofloxacin crystals in the urine.
Levofloxacin may be taken with or without food.
Take levofloxacin at evenly spaced intervals.
Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of levofloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of levofloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.
Take all of the levofloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
The most common symptom of a levofloxacin overdose is seizures.


What should I avoid while taking levofloxacin?
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Levofloxacin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. If sun exposure is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Levofloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.



What are the possible side effects of levofloxacin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking levofloxacin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
seizures;
confusion or hallucinations;
irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or fainting;
liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or
muscle or joint pain.
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking levofloxacin and talk to your doctor:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
headache or lightheadedness;
drowsiness;
insomnia;
ringing in the ears; or
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


What other drugs will affect levofloxacin?
Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of levofloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of levofloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.
Before taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Slo-Phyllin, Slo-Bid, Elixophyllin);
warfarin (Coumadin);
insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), and others; or
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), and others.
You may not be able to take levofloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with levofloxacin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.