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Printable Version Levofloxacin Injection

Active Ingredients: Levofloxacin
Other Names: Levaquin Injection
Drug Class: Quinolones
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:
Pronunciation:

What is/are Levofloxacin Injection?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Levofloxacin Injection? (Back to top)
LEVOFLOXACIN is a quinolone antibiotic. It can kill bacteria or stop their growth. This medicine is used to treat bacterial infections of the lung, skin and urinary tract. It will not work for colds, the flu, or other viral infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • cerebral disease
  • irregular heartbeat
  • kidney disease
  • seizure disorder
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to levofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications

  • arsenic trioxide
  • chloroquine
  • droperidol
  • medications for irregular rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol
  • some medicines for depression or mental problems like phenothiazines, pimozide, and ziprasidone
    This medicine may also interact with the following medications
  • amoxapine
  • cisapride
  • dairy products
  • didanosine (ddI) buffered tablets or powder
  • haloperidol
  • multivitamins
  • retinoid products like tretinoin or isotretinoin
  • risperidone
  • some other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin
  • sucralfate
  • theophylline
  • warfarin

    This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


    What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
    Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

    • allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
    • changes in vision
    • confusion, nightmares or hallucinations
    • difficulty breathing
    • irregular heartbeat, chest pain
    • joint, muscle or tendon pain
    • pain or difficulty passing urine
    • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
    • seizures
    • unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
    • vaginal irritation, discharge

    Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
    • diarrhea
    • dry mouth
    • headache
    • pain, irritation at the site of injection
    • stomach upset, nausea
    • trouble sleeping

    This list may not describe all possible side effects.


    What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
    Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days. Drink several glasses of water a day and cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. You must not get dehydrated while taking this medicine.

    You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

    This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.

    If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reading stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.

    Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.


    Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
    Keep out of the reach of children.

    If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

    NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


    Last Updated:February 29, 2008

    COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


  • Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

      Additional Information

      Check Drug Interactions with Levofloxacin Injection

      Learn how Levofloxacin Injection is/are used to treat:
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
  • Community Acquired Pneumonia

      Test Yourself! If you currently take Levofloxacin Injection, do you know everything that you need to know?

      Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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