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Levaquin (Injection)

Generic name: Levofloxacin Injectionlee-voe-FLOKS-a-sin ]
Brand name: Levaquin
Drug class: Quinolones and fluoroquinolones

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 10, 2024.

Warning

  • This medicine may cause severe side effects like irritated or torn tendons; nerve problems in the arms, hands, legs, or feet; and nervous system problems. These can happen alone or at the same time. They can happen within hours to weeks after starting Levaquin (levofloxacin injection). Some of these effects may not go away, and may lead to disability or death.
  • The chance of irritated or torn tendons is greater in people over the age of 60; heart, kidney, or lung transplant patients; or people taking steroid drugs. Tendon problems can happen as long as several months after treatment. Call your doctor right away if you have pain, bruising, or swelling in the back of the ankle, shoulder, hand, or other joints. Call your doctor right away if you are not able to move or bear weight on a joint or if you hear or feel a snap or pop.
  • Call your doctor right away if you have signs of nerve problems. These may include not being able to handle heat or cold; change in sense of touch; or burning, numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
  • Call your doctor right away if you have signs of nervous system problems. These may include anxiety, bad dreams, trouble sleeping, change in eyesight, dizziness, feeling confused, feeling nervous or agitated, feeling restless, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), new or worse behavior or mood changes like depression or thoughts of suicide, seizures, or very bad headaches.
  • Do not take if you have myasthenia gravis. Very bad and sometimes deadly breathing problems have happened with Levaquin (levofloxacin injection) in people who have myasthenia gravis.
  • For some health problems, Levaquin (levofloxacin injection) is only for use when other drugs cannot be used or have not worked. Talk with the doctor to be sure that the benefits of Levaquin (levofloxacin injection) are more than the risks.

Uses of Levaquin:

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Levaquin?

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Levaquin (levofloxacin injection).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Levaquin (levofloxacin injection) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Levaquin?

How is this medicine (Levaquin) best taken?

Use Levaquin (levofloxacin injection) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

prednisone, amoxicillin, doxycycline, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, metronidazole, clindamycin, ceftriaxone, Augmentin

What are some other side effects of Levaquin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Levaquin?

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.