Generic Levaquin

Common use

Levaquin belongs to the class of antibiotic called fluoroquinolones, which stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction and repair of their genetic material, DNA. Other medications of this group are Cipro, Noroxin, Floxin, Trovan), and Maxaquin. Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, or prostate and people who have been exposed to anthrax.



Dosage and directions

Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach or together with your meal through equal time periods. To avoid formation of Levaquin crystals in urine it is recommended to drink more water than usual.



Precautions

Avoid long exposure of your body to UV radiation. Be careful if you need to do work which requires high concentration of attention and fast reaction (e.g. driving). Inform your doctor if you have such serious conditions as kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia) before to take this medication.



Contraindications

Levaquin is contraindicated in persons with a history of hypersensitivity to Levaquin, quinolones, or any other components of this product.



Possible side effect

The most frequently reported adverse reactions are nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, constipation. Less common side effects include difficulty sleeping, dizziness, rash, flatulence, pain in upper stomach, and itching. Levaquin should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system disease. Allergic reactions such as hives and anaphylaxis ae also possible.



Drug interaction

Avoid eating antacids which contain magnesium and aluminum (Tums or Rolaids), anti-ulcer medication Carafate, vitamins or mineral additions rich with iron or zinc together with Levaquin as their interaction decreases effect of this antibiotic. Separate these medications with Levaquin with two hours. Interaction is possible also with didanosine (Videx, Videx EC). Inform your doctor if you are taking such medications as Theo-Dur, Theolair, Slo-Phyllin, Slo-Bid, Elixophyllin, warfarin/Coumadin, insulin or any peroral medications treating diabetes (Glucotrol, Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), and also Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it almost time of your next dose just skip it and return to your regular schedule. Never double dose this medication.



Overdose

In case of serious and persistent symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine consult your doctor about medical attention.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)