LEVOFLOXACIN (Ophthalmic)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
Category
- Antibacterial, ophthalmic
Description
Ophthalmic levofloxacin ( (lee-voh-FLOKS-a-sin))is used in the eye to treat bacterial infections of the eye . Ophthalmiclevofloxacin works by killing bacteria.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage form:
Ophthalmic- Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In decidingto use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed againstthe good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Forlevofloxacin, the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusualor allergic reaction to levofloxacin or any related medicines, such as cinoxacin(e.g., Cinobac), ciprofloxacin (e.g., Cipro or Ciloxan), norfloxacin (e.g.,Chibroxin or Noroxin), ofloxacin (e.g., Floxin), or nalidixic acid (e.g.,NegGram). Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to anyother substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy?Levofloxacin has not been studied in pregnant women.Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnantor if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether levofloxacin passes intobreast milk. However, similar medicines do pass into breast milk. Be sureyou have discussed the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Children?Use is not recommended in infants under 1 yearof age. In children older than 1 year, this medicine is not expected to causedifferent side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of levofloxacin in the elderly with use in other age groups,this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problemsin older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine that is to be used in the eye.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Dosing?To use levofloxacin ophthalmic solution (eye drops):
- First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lowereyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouchand gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutesto allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
- If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eyesproperly, use another drop.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicatortip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
To help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using ophthalmic levofloxacin for the full time of treatment,even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss anydoses. Follow your doctor's ordersor the directions on the label. The following information includesonly the average doses of levofloxacin. If your doseis different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowedbetween doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on themedical problem for which you are taking levofloxacin.
- For ophthalmic solution dosage form:
- For bacterial conjunctivitis:
- Adults and children 1 year of age and older?Days 1 and 2: Putone to two drops in the affected eye(s) every two hours while awake. Do notput drops in more than 8 times a day. Days 3 through 7: Put one to two dropsin the affected eye(s) every 4 hours while awake. Do not put drops in morethan 4 times a day.
- Infants and children up to 1 year of age?Use and dose mustbe determined by your doctor.
Missed dose? If you miss a dose of this medicine, use itas soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skipthe missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask yourhealth care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do notuse. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Ifyour eye infection does not improve within a few days, or if it becomes worse,check with your doctor.
This medicine may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light thanthey are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to brightlight may help lessen the discomfort.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along withits needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Manyside effects that occur do not need medical attention. These side effectsmay go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However,check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or arebothersome.
Less common
Itching, pain, redness or swelling of eye or eyelid; watering of eyes; decreased vision; fever; feeling of having something inthe eye; headache; hoarseness; eye burning, dryness, itching, or pain; increased sensitivity of eyes to light
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If younotice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 10/20/2000
