Visited 03/29/2011
Levaquin (levofloxacin) Information from Drugs.com
Browse all medications A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Advanced Search Phonetic Search
Drugs A to Z
Pill Identifier
Interactions Checker
News & Alerts
Health Professionals
Community
Mednotes
Drugs A to Z
Drugs by Condition
Drugs by Class
Side Effects
Dosage
Pregnancy
Home › Drugs by Condition › B › Bacterial Infection › Levaquin Consumer Information
Natural Products
Print
Vet Drugs
Save or Share
Symptom Checker
Harvard Health Topics
Sign In or Register
Forgot password?
Levaquin
Generic Name: levofloxacin (oral) (leev oh FLOX a sin)
Brand Names: Levaquin, Levaquin Leva-Pak
Ads by Google
GERD Symptoms?
www.AcidRefluxLife.com/GERD Find Out About a GERD Medication. Learn More About Your Options.
Ask a Doctor: Levaquin
Health.JustAnswer.com/Levaquin 17 Doctors Are Online. Current Wait Time: 5 Minutes.
Back Pain Medicine
www.LaserSpineInstitute.com/Back Safe Outpatient Procedure. Relief From Back Pain In Less Than 1
Week!
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
Related Drugs
Urinary Tract
Infection
ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin,
doxycycline, Augmentin,
sulfamethoxazole/trimethop
rim, More...
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
View all 3 images
Get Updates by Email
Email me about Levaquin:
✔
News and Warnings related to this drug
Also send the Drugs.com monthly newsletter
FDA Medwatch Alerts for all medications
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.
Lower Your Blood Pressure - The All Natural
Way
The only non-drug medical device clinically proven to lower
blood pressure www.resperate.com
$350,000 in Life Insurance
Protect Your Family Today. Coverage as low as
$13.04/month. Free Quote Here BestQuoteMarket.com
Weight Loss Medicine
Immediate weight loss - reduces fat absorbtion - less fat
means less pounds www.pharmcom.com
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.
Related News and Articles
Smarten Up About Antibiotics, CDC Urges
18 Nov 2010
Knowing when t can help fight the rise of deadly
"superbugs," say experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. About half of antibiotics ...
A Radical Plan To Save Antibiotics
Do not share Levaquin with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same
symptoms you have.
7 Sep 2010
Ads by Google
Diet, Meds and Smoking Linked to Eye
http://www.drugs.com/levaquin.html[3/29/2011 1:45:38 PM]
From Guardian Web (September 7, 2010) What are we
to do about the diminishing power of antibiotics - once
the miracle drugs that looked set to end ...
Levaquin (levofloxacin) Information from Drugs.com
Visited 03/29/2011
Bladder Neuromodulation
Innovative treatment option for OAB when medication
doesn't work.
www.everyday-freedom.com
Disease Risks
Acne Treatment
Smoothbeam Laser for Severe Acne and Acne
Scars. See Photos.
www.lakeviewderm.com/acne
Antibiotic Resistance Can Last a Year,
Review Finds
Neuropathy Breakthrough
Clinically Proven Natural Solution 90 Day Money
Back Guarantee.
Neuropathy.RealFoodNutrients.com
14 Jun 2010
A healthy diet helps guard against cataracts, while
certain medications raise the risks of this common cause
of vision loss, two new studies suggest. And a ...
19 May 2010
Some patients who take antibiotics may become
resistant to them and stay that way for as long as a year,
a new review finds. The researchers analyzed 24 ...
Low-Dose Antibiotics May Promote Drug
Resistance
15 Feb 2010
How should I take Levaquin?
U.S. scientists have discovered another way that
improper antibiotic use can lead to the development of
dangerous multidrug-resistant ...
View more...
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.
Ads by Google
Back Pain Treatment
Read the Benefits of Our Minimally Invasive
AccuraScope™ Procedure!
www.NorthAmericanSpine.com
Sinus Infection Treatment
All You Need to Know About Sinus Infection
Treatment.
www.SymptomFind.com
#1 Addiction Rehab Center
Adult, Addiction Rehab & Detox All Private Rooms,
Insurance OK
TransformationsTreatment.com
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)
Compare Levaquin with other medications
Anthrax
Anthrax Prophylaxis
Bacterial Infection
Bladder Infection
Bronchitis
Chlamydia Infection
Epididymitis, Sexually Transmitted
Gonococcal Infection, Disseminated
Gonococcal Infection, Uncomplicated
Kidney Infections
Nongonococcal Urethritis
Nosocomial Pneumonia
Otitis Media
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pneumonia
Prostatitis
Sinusitis
Skin Infection
Streptococcal Infection
Tuberculosis, Active
Urinary Tract Infection
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about Levaquin.
Printable Version
Email
Recommend
http://www.drugs.com/levaquin.html[3/29/2011 1:45:38 PM]
Tweet
Save or Share
Visited 03/29/2011
Levaquin (levofloxacin) Information from Drugs.com
Ads by Google
How To Sleep All Night
Try A Simple Solution to Fall Asleep Fast And Sleep All Night
www.PeakLife.com/TrySomnapure
Bunion Pain
Podiatrist - Walter Jacobsen, DPM Foot & Ankle Physician and Surgeon
www.ChicagoFootAndAnkleDoc.com
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
consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States
are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs,
diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to
assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this
service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient.
Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of
information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2009 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.02. Revision Date: 4/12/2009 4:42:39 PM.
Ads by Google
Drug Rehab
Drug Treatment
Holistic Drug
Drug Clinic
Support
About Drugs.com
Your Privacy
Advertise With Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Pharmaceutical Companies
Widgets for your Website
Content Submissions
About Drugs.com
Contact Us
Sitemap
Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000
Follow us on:
Copyright © 2000-2011 Drugs.com. All rights reserved.
prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines & natural products. This material is
provided for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment.
Data sources include Micromedex™ (updated Feb 3rd, 2011), Cerner Multum™
We comply with the HONcode standard for
trustworthy health information.
Verify here
(updated Mar 18th, 2011), Wolters Kluwer™ (updated Mar 5th, 2011) and others. To
view content sources and attributions, refer to our editorial policy.
(web1)
http://www.drugs.com/levaquin.html[3/29/2011 1:45:38 PM]
Terms of Use · Privacy Policy