DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Levofloxacin Oral Solution (LEE-voe-FLOX-a-sin)
Brand Name: Levaquin

Levofloxacin Solution is used for:

Treating infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure.

Levofloxacin Solution is a quinolone antibiotic. It works by killing sensitive bacteria.

Do NOT use Levofloxacin Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Levofloxacin Solution or 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)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Levofloxacin Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Levofloxacin Solution. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• 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; chest pain; angina; or heart attack
• if you have other heart problems (eg, heart failure, enlarged heart), diabetes, 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

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Levofloxacin Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide, quinidine), 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 Levofloxacin Solution

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Levofloxacin Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Levofloxacin Solution:

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

• An extra patient leaflet is available with this medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Levofloxacin Solution by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Levofloxacin Solution is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Do not take an antacid that has magnesium or aluminum, calcium, zinc (including multivitamin products), or iron in it within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take Levofloxacin Solution.
• If you also take sucralfate or didanosine, do not take them within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Levofloxacin Solution. Check with your doctor if you have questions.
• Levofloxacin Solution works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Levofloxacin Solution for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
• Do not miss any doses of Levofloxacin Solution. If you miss a dose of Levofloxacin Solution, take it as soon as you remember. 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levofloxacin Solution.

Important safety information:

• Levofloxacin Solution may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Levofloxacin Solution with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Levofloxacin Solution only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Be sure to use Levofloxacin Solution for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Levofloxacin Solution may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Tendon problems have been reported with Levofloxacin Solution. Some of these problems have been severe. Contact your doctor right away if you develop pain or swelling of a joint or tendon.
• Levofloxacin Solution may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Levofloxacin Solution. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• If you are scheduled to receive a typhoid vaccine while you are taking Levofloxacin Solution, talk with your doctor. Levofloxacin Solution may decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.
• Diabetes patients - Levofloxacin Solution may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Levofloxacin Solution may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Levofloxacin Solution.
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood counts, may be performed while you use Levofloxacin Solution. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Levofloxacin Solution with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially tendon problems and irregular heartbeat.
• Levofloxacin Solution should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Children may also be more sensitive to joint and tendon problems.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Levofloxacin Solution while you are pregnant. Levofloxacin Solution is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Levofloxacin Solution.

Possible side effects of Levofloxacin Solution:

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.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

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; dark urine; decreased or painful urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; 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 sunburn; shortness of breath; stomach pain/cramps; 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 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; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Levofloxacin Solution:

Store Levofloxacin Solution at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Levofloxacin Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

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

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Levofloxacin Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.