This combination medication is used after cataract
surgery to prevent bacterial eye infections. It is also used to prevent and
treat swelling after cataract surgery. It contains 2 medications:
levofloxacin and dexamethasone. Levofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs
known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of
bacteria. Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.
It works by reducing swelling, itching, and redness.
This medication prevents only bacterial eye infections.
It will not work for other types of eye infections. Using any antibiotic
when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future
infections.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you
get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually every 6 hours for 7 days.
To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this
medication. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's
directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them
again.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and
place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle
pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the
medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. Repeat
these steps if your dose is for more than one drop. If directed to use this
medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye. Do not
rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 15 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue
to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms
disappear after a few days.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Eye discomfort, stinging/burning of the eyes, temporary
blurred vision, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Long-term or repeated use of this medication may put you
at greater risk of developing an eye infection or other eye problems (such
as glaucoma, cataracts). Do not use this medication for longer than
prescribed. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of the
following:
- new or worsening eye symptoms (such as discharge,
swelling)
- eye pain
- vision changes
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to levofloxacin or dexamethasone; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- diabetes
- eye infections
- glaucoma
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medication for 10 days or longer,
lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while you are
using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Once the bottle is opened,
this medication expires after 28 days. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.