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Levofloxacin ophthalmic

Generic name: levofloxacin ophthalmic [ leev-oh-FLOX-a-sin-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Quixin, Iquix
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.5%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 28, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use levofloxacin ophthalmic if you are allergic to levofloxacin or similar antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, lomefloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and others).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How should I use levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops.

Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Avoid wearing contact lenses until you no longer have symptoms of the eye infection.

What other drugs will affect levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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