Levaquin (levofloxacin) is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Levofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, or prostate. Levaquin is also used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis or pneumonia, and to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or plague.
Levaquin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You may not be able to use Levaquin if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.
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. This effect may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take 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, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Levaquin if you are allergic to levofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).
You may not be able to use Levaquin if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.
To make sure Levaquin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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a heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take medication to treat it;
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a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;
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tendon problems, arthritis or other joint problems (especially in children);
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a muscle or nerve disorder;
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bone problems;
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liver or kidney disease;
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seizures or epilepsy;
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a history of head injury or brain tumor;
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a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
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diabetes (especially if you use insulin or take oral diabetes medication);
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low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
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if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin) and have "INR" or prothrombin time tests.
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. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking Levaquin. Tendon problems may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Levaquin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether levofloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take Levaquin?
Take Levaquin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take this mediicne at the same time each day with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking Levaquin. You may take the tablets with or without food.
Take the 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 medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Levaquin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
This medication can cause you to have a false positive drug screening test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the laboratory staff that you are taking Levaquin.
Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
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:
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antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids), or the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);
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didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets; or
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vitamin or mineral supplements that contain aluminum, iron, magnesium, or zinc.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Levaquin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Levaquin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Levaquin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Levaquin: hives, or the first sign of a skin rash; rapid heart rate, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Levaquin may cause swelling or tearing of (rupture) a tendon. Levaquin can also have serious effects on your nerves, and may cause permanent nerve damage. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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signs of tendon rupture--sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions); or
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nerve symptoms--numbness, tingling, burning pain, or being more sensitive to temperature, light touch, or the sense of your body position.
Stop using Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have:
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headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
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nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding;
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depression, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, tremors, feeling restless or anxious, unusual thoughts or behavior, insomnia, nightmares;
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severe eye redness, small white or yellow patches on the surface of your eye;
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seizure (convulsions); or
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increased pressure inside the skull-- severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.
Common Levaquin side effects may include:
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: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Levaquin?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Levaquin, especially:
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a diuretic or "water pill";
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theophylline;
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heart rhythm medication--amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and others;
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medicine to treat depression or mental illness--amitriptylline, clomipramine, desipramine, iloperidone, imipramine, nortriptyline, and others; or
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NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Levaquin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
