Levofloxacin (Into the eye)

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

Treats eye infections. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

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 had an allergic reaction to levofloxacin or to similar medicines such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), gatifloxacin (Tequin?), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin?), moxifloxacin (Avelox®), norfloxacin (Noroxin®), ofloxacin (Floxin®), or trovafloxacin (Trovan®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

If a dose is missed:

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

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 theophylline, caffeine, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine, Gengraf®, Sandimmune®, or Neoral®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Do not wear contact lenses until your infection is gone.

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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fever.
Itching, redness, swelling, or discharge that was not present before you started using this medicine, or any new or worsening eye symptoms, discomfort, or trouble with vision that lasts longer than a few minutes.

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

Headache.
Eyes sensitive to light.
Sore throat.

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017