Levofloxacin, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: levofloxacin, ophthalmic; Quixin

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the eyes to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (infection caused by certain bacteria).

How do I use it?

Usually you will use this medicine more often on the first and second days of treatment and less often after that. Use the exact number of drops your health care provider prescribes. Continue using them until your health care provider tells you to stop. If you stop too soon, the infection may return.

Wash your hands thoroughly before putting this medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Put the cap on tightly.

What should I watch out for?

If you are also taking levofloxacin by mouth, you may have an allergic reaction even after the first dose of eye medicine. If you develop irritation and redness of your eyes, hives, itching, a rash, tightness in your chest or trouble breathing, contact your health care provider or get emergency medical care right away.

Do not wear contact lenses while using this medicine. Check with your health care provider.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Severe irritation and redness of your eyes.

Other: Vision changes, fever, feeling that something is in your eye, headache, burning sensation, pain, sensitivity to light, dry eyes, itchy eyes.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.