levofloxacin ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: leev oh FLOX a sin off THAL mik

Brand: Iquix, Quixin

What is the most important information I should know about levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Levofloxacin is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Levofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using levofloxacin ophthalmic?

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

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether levofloxacin ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether levofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old.

How should I use levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use levofloxacin ophthalmic to treat any eye condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

The number of times per day that you use this medicine may change throughout your treatment. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could 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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of levofloxacin ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Levofloxacin ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

What are the possible side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • drainage or crusting of your eye;
  • severe eye irritation after using the eye drops;
  • feeling like there is something in your eye;
  • vision problems, increased light sensitivity;
  • the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or
  • fever, or any signs of a new infection.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild eye irritation or discomfort;
  • blurred vision;
  • headache;
  • nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
  • throat irritation; or
  • unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

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.

What other drugs will affect levofloxacin ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on levofloxacin used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about levofloxacin ophthalmic.

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.

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