Levaquin (Levofloxacin)

Levaquin is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure.

Use Levaquin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

An extra patient leaflet is available with Levaquin . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Levaquin is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.

Levaquin is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Levaquin at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Levaquin . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

Do not use Levaquin if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.

Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

Levaquin works best if it is used at the same time each day.

To clear up your infection completely, use Levaquin for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.

Levaquin is a quinolone antibiotic. It works by killing sensitive bacteria.

Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of Cipro , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Levofloxacin is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Levofloxacin at home, store Levofloxacin as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Levofloxacin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do NOT use Levaquin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Levaquin or to any other quinolone antibiotic (eg, ciprofloxacin)
• you have a certain type of irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation, long QT syndrome) or low blood potassium levels
• you are taking cisapride or certain antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you or a family member have a history of fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (eg, QT prolongation); chest pain; angina; or heart attack
• if you have a history of other heart problems (eg, heart failure, enlarged heart), diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, tendon problems (eg, inflammation), or Alzheimer disease
• if you have narrowed or hardened blood vessels in the brain, increased pressure in the brain, nervous system problems, or a history of seizures (eg, epilepsy)
• if you sunburn easily or you will be in the sun for a prolonged period of time

• Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol), arsenic, astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, droperidol, haloperidol, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), methadone, paliperidone, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), pimozide, ranolazine, serotonin receptor antagonists (eg, dolasetron), telithromycin, terfenadine, or ziprasidone because the risk of serious heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may be increased
• Insulin or oral diabetes medicines (eg, glyburide) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased
• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because the risk of tendon problems may be increased
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) or theophylline because the risk of serious side effects, including seizures, may be increased
• Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Levaquin

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Diarrhea; dizziness; gas; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach pain.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased or painful urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, sore throat, or unusual cough; hallucinations; hoarseness; joint or muscle pain or weakness; mental or mood changes (eg, depression, anxiety, paranoia); new or worsening nightmares, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, or weakness; severe or persistent stomach pain/cramps; severe sunburn; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; symptoms of high or low blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; fast breathing; flushing; dizziness; fainting; increased sweating; vision changes); symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite); symptoms of nerve problems (eg, unusual pain, burning, tingling, or numbness; changes in perception or heat or cold; decreased sensation of touch); tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; vaginal discharge, irritation, or odor; wheezing.

If you have any questions about Levaquin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Levaquin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.