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Levofloxacin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Levofloxacin is also known as: Levaquin, Levaquin Leva-Pak

Overview

If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Levofloxacin Solution while you are pregnant. Levofloxacin Solution is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Levofloxacin Solution.

Levofloxacin Pregnancy Warnings

Levofloxacin has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Studies in animals revealed no evidence of teratogenicity using high doses; however, fetotoxicity was reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Cartilage damage and arthropathy are reported in immature animals giving rise to concern over effects on bone formation in the developing fetus. Because safer alternatives are available, some experts consider fluoroquinolones contraindicated during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Levofloxacin should only be given during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Of 549 cases reported by the European Network of Teratology Information Services involving exposure to other fluoroquinolones, congenital malformations were reported in 4.8%; however, this was not higher than the background rate.

Levofloxacin Breastfeeding Warnings

There are no data on the excretion of levofloxacin into human milk. Levofloxacin is the L-isomer of ofloxacin which is excreted into human milk. Quinolone-induced cartilage erosion and arthropathies that have been observed in juvenile animals render some concern over its possible toxic effects on the developing joints of nursing infants. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue administration of levofloxacin, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

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