Levofloxacin (lee-voe-FLOX-a-sin) belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. It is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Levofloxacin is also used to treat anthrax.

Levofloxacin works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH A FULL GLASS (8 ounces/240 mL) OF WATER. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. Do not take any medicines containing magnesium or aluminum (such as antacids, vitamins/minerals, and quinapril), didanosine, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, or zinc within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, gas, headache, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience sunburn (sun sensitivity), vaginal discomfort or unusual discharge, or abdominal pain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden shortness of breath; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; changes in vision; numbness of an arm or leg; severe stomach pain; confusion; tremors; restlessness; anxiety; trouble sleeping; depression or other mental or mood changes; seizures; fever; tendon, joint, or muscle pain or swelling; burning, numbness, tingling, or weakness of your arms, hands, legs, or feet; abnormal changes in skin sensation (such as your sense of touch, pain, or temperature); irregular heartbeat; a change in the amount of your urine; or yellowing of your eyes or skin. If an allergic reaction to this medicine occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions, or later for other infections. A different medicine may be needed in those cases. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you dont remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses

This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. This medicine is not effective for treating fungal infections or viral infections (such as the common cold).

To store this medicine:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a fluoroquinolone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPOGLYCEMIA (low blood sugar), especially if you have diabetes and take medicine to control your blood sugar levels. Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, such as glucose tablets or gel, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction if it occurs. Use of this medicine for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new fungal infection (such as oral thrush or a vaginal yeast infection). Contact your doctor if you notice any white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines containing ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.