Levofloxacin (Injection)

Levofloxacin (lee-voe-FLOX-a-sin)

Treats infections that are caused by bacteria. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone (floor-oh-KWIN-oh-lone) antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Levaquin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to levofloxacin or to similar medicines such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), enoxacin (Penetrex®), gatifloxacin (Tequin™), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin™), moxifloxacin (Avelox®), norfloxacin (Noroxin®), ofloxacin (Floxin®), or trovafloxacin (Trovan®). This medicine should not be given to children.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. This medicine is given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about an hour.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep this medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using blood thinners (Coumadin®), diabetes medicine taken by mouth (such as glyburide, Amaryl®, Actos™, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®).
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate) while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of heart disease, heart rhythm problems, kidney disease, hypokalemia (low blood potassium), stroke, or seizure disorder (such as epilepsy).
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Call your doctor if you have pain, swelling, or tearing of a tendon, such as in the back of your knee or ankle, in your shoulder or elbow, or in your hand or wrist. You may need to stop using the medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, or fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, redness, blistering, or peeling
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, or agitation
• Muscle or joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation
• Pain, swelling, or irritation where the IV needle is placed
• Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.