Levofloxacin (
Levaquin®) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat a variety of different infections. It is also approved to prevent infection after exposure to inhaled
anthrax.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with levofloxacin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. Serious side effects are less common. Some of the common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Levofloxacin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Levofloxacin?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Had a heart, liver, or lung transplant
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cerebral arteriosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the arteries of the brain)
- Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Levofloxacin belongs to a group of medications known as fluoroquinolones, sometimes known just as "quinolones" for short. It works by interfering with two important bacterial enzymes (topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase). These enzymes are necessary for bacteria to be able to copy and repair DNA (important steps required in order for bacteria to multiply).
When and How to Take Levofloxacin
Some general considerations include the following:
- Levofloxacin comes as tablets, an oral solution (liquid), and an injection form. It is usually taken once a day.
- You can take the tablets with food or on an empty stomach. However, the oral solution must be taken at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
- Levofloxacin can be taken at any time of the day; however, be sure to take it at the same time each day (to make sure there is approximately 24 hours between doses).
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Levofloxacin will not work if you stop taking it too soon.
The dose of levofloxacin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The type of infection and bacteria
- Your age and weight
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
What If I Take an Overdose of Levofloxacin?
Based on the results of animal studies, people who take too much levofloxacin may experience effects such as (but not limited to):
- Coordination problems
- Droopy eyelids
- Decreased body movements
- Shortness of breath
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Seizures.
If you happen to overdose on the medication, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your levofloxacin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Try not to miss doses, as this increases the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
Currently, levofloxacin is not available in generic form
(see Generic Levaquin).
Levofloxacin is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Levofloxacin comes in the following strengths and forms:
- Levofloxacin 250 mg tablets
- Levofloxacin 500 mg tablets
- Levofloxacin 750 mg tablets
- Levofloxacin 25 mg per mL oral solution.
This medication is also available in injection form.
Storage Methods for Levofloxacin
Store levofloxacin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container. Keep levofloxacin and all medications out of the reach of children.
