Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic.

Levofloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.

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

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops.

Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and 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.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Avoid wearing contact lenses until you no longer have symptoms of the eye infection.

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

Levofloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;

• severe eye irritation after using the eye drops; or

• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• decreased vision, feeling like something is in your eye;

• pain, burning, or discomfort in your eyes;

• eyes being more sensitive to light;

• fever, sore throat; or

• headache.

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.