Levofloxacin Solution for injection Health Article

Generic name(s):

Levofloxacin Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Levaquin, Levaquin Leva-Pak

What is this medicine?

LEVOFLOXACIN (lee voe FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, 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 provider before I take this medicine?

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?

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.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

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?

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?

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 provider 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.