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Levaquin (levofloxacin) Information from Drugs.com
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Levaquin
Generic Name: levofloxacin (oral) (leev oh FLOX a sin)
Brand Names: Levaquin, Levaquin Leva-Pak
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What is Levaquin?
Levaquin is in a group of antibiotics called
fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). It
fights bacteria in the body.
Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of
the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, or
prostate. It is also used to treat bacterial
infections that cause bronchitis or pneumonia,
and to treat people who have been exposed to
anthrax.
Related Levaquin Information
Approval History
Tablet; Oral FDA
approved 1996
Pregnancy Category
Risk cannot be ruled out
CSA Schedule
Not a controlled drug
Availability
Prescription only
Reviews
Average User
Rating
6.1
135 User Reviews
Rate it!
Related Pages
Detailed Side Effects
Drug Interactions
Drug Images
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Dosage Information
Support Group Q & A
Drug Class
Quinolones
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Levaquin may also be used for other purposes
not listed in this medication guide.
Bacterial Infection
ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin,
doxycycline, cephalexin,
metronidazole,
clindamycin, More...
Important information
about Levaquin
Bronchitis
ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin,
doxycycline, azithromycin,
Augmentin,
sulfamethoxazole/trimethop
rim, More...
You should not use Levaquin if you are
allergic to levofloxacin or similar antibiotics
such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), moxifloxacin
(Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin
(Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and
others.
Before taking Levaquin, tell your doctor if you
http://www.drugs.com/levaquin.html[3/29/2011 1:45:38 PM]
Pneumonia
ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin,
doxycycline,
metronidazole,
clindamycin, azithromycin,
More...
Levaquin (levofloxacin) Information from Drugs.com
Visited 03/29/2011
have kidney or liver disease, myasthenia
gravis, joint problems, seizures or epilepsy,
diabetes, low levels of potassium in your blood
(hypokalemia), or a personal or family history
of "Long QT syndrome."
16 more conditions...
Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral
supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or
didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 2 hours before or after you take Levaquin.
These other medicines can make Levaquin much less effective when taken at the same time.
Taking levofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight,
sun lamps, or tanning beds.
Levaquin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in
the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur
if you are over 60, if you take an oral steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or
lung transplant. Stop taking Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain,
swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until
you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share Levaquin with another person (especially a
child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Drug Images
Levaquin 250 mg
Before taking Levaquin
You should not use Levaquin if you are allergic to levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones such as
ciprofloxacin (Cipro), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin
(Maxaquin), and others.
Before taking Levaquin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, especially if you are
being treated with one of these medications: quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute),
disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
Levaquin. Before you take Levaquin, tell your doctor if you have:
Levaquin 500 mg
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a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
myasthenia gravis;
joint problems;
kidney or liver disease;
seizures or epilepsy;
diabetes;
low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."
FDA pregnancy category C: It is not known whether Levaquin is harmful to an unborn baby. Do
not use ciprofloxacin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment. Levofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a
nursing baby. Do not use Levaquin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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See also: Levaquin pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Levaquin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in
the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur
if you are over 60, if you take an oral steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or
lung transplant. Stop taking Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain,
swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until
you receive medical care or instructions.
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Do not share Levaquin with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same
symptoms you have.
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Take Levaquin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts,
or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription
label.
Help and Support
Take Levaquin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day
while you are taking Levaquin.
Looking for answers? Ask a question or go join the
Levaquin support group to connect with others who have
similar interests.
You may take Levaquin tablets with or without food.
Take Levaquin oral solution (liquid) on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon.
If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel
better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Levaquin will not
treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
This medicine can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor
who treats you that you are using Levaquin.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid
medicine to freeze.
See also: Levaquin dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until
then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the
missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include loss of balance or coordination, drooping eyelids, weakness,
decreased activity, trouble breathing, sweating, tremors, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking Levaquin?
You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as
Levaquin. Avoid taking the following medicines within 2 hours before or after you take Levaquin.
These other medicines can make Levaquin much less effective when taken at the same time:
antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids);
the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);
didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets; or
vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc.
http://www.drugs.com/levaquin.html[3/29/2011 1:45:38 PM]
Levaquin (levofloxacin) Information from Drugs.com
Visited 03/29/2011
Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Levaquin can make your skin more
sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen
(SPF-15 or higher) if you must be out in the sun. Call your doctor if you have severe burning,
redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Levaquin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
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Levaquin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty
breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Levaquin and call your doctor
at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle);
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;
seizure (convulsions);
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
easy bruising or bleeding;
numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.
Less serious Levaquin side effects may include:
nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
feeling restless, anxious, or depressed;
headache, dizziness;
muscle pain;
sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares);
vaginal itching or discharge; or
mild skin itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Levaquin side effects (in more detail)
http://www.drugs.com/levaquin.html[3/29/2011 1:45:38 PM]
Visited 03/29/2011
Levaquin (levofloxacin) Information from Drugs.com
What other drugs will affect Levaquin?
Before taking Levaquin, tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following drugs:
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth, such as glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta,
Glynase);
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin,
others), etodolac (Lodine), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin),
nabumetone (Relafen), meloxicam (Mobic), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), piroxicam
(Feldene), and others; or
an oral steroid medication such as betamethasone (Celestone), dexamethasone (Decadron,
Dexpak), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Orapred), prednisone (Meticorten,
Sterapred), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Levaquin. Tell your
doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a
new medication without telling your doctor.
More Levaquin resources
Levaquin Side Effects (in more detail)
Levaquin Dosage
Levaquin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Drug Images
Levaquin Drug Interactions
Levaquin Support Group
135 Reviews for Levaquin - Add your own review/rating
Levaquin Prescribing Information (FDA)
Levaquin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Levaquin Monograph (AHFS DI)
Levaquin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Levofloxacin Prescribing Information (FDA)
Levofloxacin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
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Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about Levaquin.
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with
others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and
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