Can I Take Levaquin With Food?

Some medications can be taken with food while others should be taken on an empty stomach. Find out if food affects the absorption of your medication.

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Introduction

Yes, you can take levofloxacin with food.

What is Levaquin?

Levaquin is the brand name for the prescription drug levofloxacin. It’s a quinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Levofloxacin is used to treat different types of infections including skin infections, bladder and kidney infections, pneumonia, sinus infections, and bronchitis. It may also be used to prevent anthrax after someone has been exposed to the bacteria.

What are the possible side effects of Levaquin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Levaquin and call your doctor at once if you have:

headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;;
jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
swelling in your ankles or feet, sudden weight gain;
easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), unusual weakness;
seizure (convulsions); or
nerve symptoms--numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet.
Common Levaquin side effects may include:

How should I take Levaquin?

You should take Levaquin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual recommended adult dose is 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg once daily for 10 days. You may take this oral antibiotic with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking Levaquin?

You should avoid taking Levaquin with dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Dairy products can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.

What other drugs will affect Levaquin?

Levaquin can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with Levaquin are listed below.

Aluminum-containing antacids
Bismuth subsalicylate
Didanosine (Videx) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution
Magnesium-containing antacids
Probenecid (Benemid)
Sucralfate (Carafate)

How long should I take Levaquin?

The usual duration of therapy with LEVAQUIN® Injection is 7 to 14 days. For LEVAQUIN® Oral Solution, the usual duration of therapy is 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose of Levaquin?

If you miss a dose of Levaquin, 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.

What happens if I overdose on Levaquin?

If you take too much Levaquin, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center right away, or get emergency treatment. An overdose of Levaquin can be fatal.
Symptoms of an overdose of Levaquin may include:
-dizziness
-fainting
-fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
-sweating
-nausea or vomiting

Where can I get more information on Levaquin?

If you have any questions about Levaquin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.