Levofloxacin (Levaquin) belongs to the class of medicines known as quinolone antibiotic.

Use Levofloxacin (Levaquin) exactly as directed by your doctor.

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness; gas; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased or painful urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; hoarseness; joint or muscle pain or weakness; mental or mood changes (eg, depression, anxiety, paranoia); new or worsening nightmares, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, or weakness; severe sunburn; shortness of breath; stomach pain/cramps; suicidal thoughts or actions; symptoms of high or low blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; fast breathing; flushing; dizziness; fainting; increased sweating; vision changes); symptoms of nerve problems (eg, unusual pain, burning, tingling, or numbness; changes in perception or heat or cold; decreased sensation of touch); tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; vaginal discharge, irritation, or odor; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide, quinidine), arsenic, astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, droperidol, haloperidol, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), methadone, paliperidone, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), pimozide, ranolazine, serotonin receptor antagonists (eg, dolasetron), telithromycin, terfenadine, or ziprasidone because the risk of serious heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may be increased
Insulin or oral diabetes medicines (eg, glyburide) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased
Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because the risk of tendon problems may be increased
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) or theophylline because the risk of serious side effects, including seizures, may be increased
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Levofloxacin (Levaquin) may interact with other medicines that you take.

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

Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you or a family member have a history of fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; chest pain; angina; or heart attack

if you have other heart problems (eg, heart failure, enlarged heart), diabetes, kidney problems, tendon problems (eg, inflammation), or Alzheimer disease

if you have narrowed or hardened blood vessels in the brain, increased pressure in the brain, nervous system problems, or a history of seizures (eg, epilepsy)

if you sunburn easily or you will be in the sun for a prolonged period of time

Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Levofloxacin (Levaquin) is used in treating infections caused by certain bacteria.

Levofloxacin (Levaquin) may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store away from heat and direct light.

Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.

If you are scheduled to receive a typhoid vaccine while you are taking Levofloxacin (Levaquin), talk with your doctor. Levofloxacin (Levaquin) may decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Diabetes patients - Levofloxacin (Levaquin) may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Levofloxacin (Levaquin) may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Levofloxacin (Levaquin).