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Overview: Levofloxacin ophthalmic is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat certain bacterial eye infections. Common side effects are headache and changes in how things taste. If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them while your eye infection is being treated with levofloxacin ophthalmic. Talk to your health care provider about when you can safely start wearing contact lenses again after your eye infection.

Uses

What is levofloxacin ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Levofloxacin ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used for certain eye infections in people with either conjunctivitis or a corneal ulcer. Conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed sometimes from bacteria. A corneal ulcer is a wound on part of your eye (cornea) that can be caused by bacteria.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to levofloxacin ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Other forms of levofloxacin are available for use by mouth or injection. See Levofloxacin for more information. 

How does levofloxacin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Levofloxacin ophthalmic kills certain types of bacteria by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA.

How is levofloxacin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
  • 1.5% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Levofloxacin ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Some levofloxacin ophthalmic products can be stored at temperatures down to 59 F (15 C). Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your levofloxacin ophthalmic product.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Change in how things taste
  • Change in vision
  • Fever
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Eye burning, pain, or discomfort
  • Sore throat
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea

There may be other side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Levofloxacin ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using levofloxacin ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using levofloxacin ophthalmic for a long period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Only use this medicine for the time you are told by your health care provider. Call your health care provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use levofloxacin ophthalmic.

  • Levofloxacin
  • Iquix
  • Quixin
  • Any other medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic or quinolone antibiotic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific levofloxacin ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about levofloxacin ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use levofloxacin ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share levofloxacin ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep levofloxacin ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use levofloxacin ophthalmic.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eye infection is being treated with levofloxacin ophthalmic. Talk to your health care provider about when you can safely start wearing contact lenses again after your eye infection is treated.

What should I tell my health care provider before using levofloxacin ophthalmic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if levofloxacin ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how levofloxacin ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use levofloxacin ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if levofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use levofloxacin ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does levofloxacin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between levofloxacin ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between levofloxacin ophthalmic and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does levofloxacin ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between levofloxacin ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much levofloxacin ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much levofloxacin ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of levofloxacin ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of levofloxacin ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to levofloxacin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.