PRECAUTIONS: Before taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, or moxifloxacin; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: heart problems (e.g. QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor your medical history especially of: kidney disease, seizures, tendon problems, nervous system disorders, blood vessel disease, brain disorders (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumors or increased intracranial pressure). This drug may make you dizzy or lightheaded; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Contact your doctor for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information from a related drug, this medication may pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may take especially of: other antibiotics, "blood thinner" (e.g., warfarin), diabetes medication (e.g., glyburide, insulin), foscarnet, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin), theophylline, live vaccines. Other drugs besides levofloxacin which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect.