Generic Name: LEVOFLOXACIN (lee-voe-FLOX-a-sin)

Drug Manufacturer: ORTHO

Common Uses: This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, skin infections, or respiratory tract infections).

How to use this Medicine: Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH A FULL GLASS (8 ounces) OF WATER. Also, drink several additional glasses of water each day. DO NOT TAKE zinc, iron, sucralfate, didanosine (chewable/buffered tablets or oral solution), or antacids containing magnesium or aluminum within 2 hours of taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a fluoroquinolone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF THIS MEDICINE CAUSES A SKIN RASH, HIVES, OR DIFFICULTY BREATHING, check with your doctor before taking additional doses. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS or lightheadedness. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause dizziness. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. BASED ON INFORMATION FROM A RELATED DRUG, this medicine may be excreted in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, vomiting, change in taste, headache, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience tendon, joint, or muscle pain or swelling, "sunburn" (sun sensitivity), vaginal discomfort, abdominal pain, or vision changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience seizures, mental/mood changes, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, restlessness, confusion, change in amount of urine, or yellowing of eyes or skin. Use of this medicine for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush, or a new yeast infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.