Levofloxacin (By injection)
lee-voe-FLOX-a-sin
Treats infections. This medicine is a quinolone antibiotic.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Levofloxacin injection is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It is also used to prevent an anthrax infection after a person has been exposed to anthrax. This medicine is also used to treat and prevent plague (including pneumonic and septicemic plague).
Levofloxacin belongs to the class of medicines known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Your doctor may give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then you may be switched to an oral medicine that works the same way. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about this.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how levofloxacin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Theophylline Steroid medicine (such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone) Blood thinner (such as warfarin) Diabetes medicine NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) Medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to levofloxacin or to similar medicines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation or a slow heartbeat), myasthenia gravis, or a history of seizures, epilepsy, head injury, or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have ever had tendon or joint problems, including rheumatoid arthritis, or if you have received a transplant.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Tendinitis and tendon rupture (may happen after treatment ends) Liver damage Severe diarrhea Nerve damage in the arms or legs Heart rhythm changes Blood sugar level changesThis medicine may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Diarrhea that may contain blood
Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Pain, stiffness, swelling, or bruises around your ankle, leg, shoulder, or other joint
Seizures, severe headache, unusual thoughts or behaviors, trouble sleeping, confusion
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild headache
Mild nausea or diarrhea
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Levaquin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.