Levaquin and Alcohol/Food Interactions

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

GENERALLY AVOID: The oral bioavailability of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics may be reduced by concurrent administration of preparations containing polyvalent cations such as aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Therapeutic failure may result. The proposed mechanism is chelation of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics by di- and trivalent cations, forming an insoluble complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Reduced gastrointestinal absorption of the cations should also be considered.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant administration of oral quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics with preparations containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and/or zinc salts should generally be avoided. Otherwise, the times of administration should be staggered by as much as possible to minimize the potential for interaction. Quinolones should typically be dosed either 2 to 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after polyvalent cation preparations, depending on the quinolone and formulation. Likewise, tetracyclines and polyvalent cation preparations should typically be administered 2 to 4 hours apart. The prescribing information for the antibiotic should be consulted for more specific dosing recommendations.

When levoFLOXacin as the oral solution is given with enteral (tube) feedings, levoFLOXacin may not work as well. You could interrupt the feeding for 1 hour before and 2 hours after the levoFLOXacin dose. However, this still may not entirely avoid the interaction and may not always be feasible. LevoFLOXacin oral tablets may be taken without regard to food. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.