Description

Levofloxacin ophthalmic drops are a fluoroquinolone antibiotic solution used topically to treat bacterial eye infections by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication. 

2. Prescription

Requires a medical prescription. 

3. Therapeutic Category

Classified as an ophthalmic antibiotic (4‑quinolone) for bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and other external ocular infections. 

4. Active Ingredients / Composition

• Active: Levofloxacin (commonly as 0.5% or 1.5% ophthalmic solution) 
• Inactive ingredients: Vary by manufacturer; may include preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, buffer agents, glycerin, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, and water.

5. Vitamins

None. Not a nutritive product.

6. Minerals

None included for nutritional purposes; formulation may contain saline or buffering salts but not minerals as therapy.

7. Variant(s)

• 0.5% solution (common for bacterial conjunctivitis) 
• 1.5% solution (used especially for corneal ulcers)

8. Consume Type

Topical ophthalmic solution (eye drops). Not for ingestion. 

9. Directions / Usage

• Application: Wash hands, tilt head back, form a pouch under the lower eyelid, instill 1–2 drops, close eyes for 1–2 minutes, avoid touching tip, recap immediately. 
• Dosage for bacterial conjunctivitis (0.5%):
  • Days 1–2: 1–2 drops every 2 hours while awake (up to 8×/day)
  • Days 3–7: 1–2 drops every 4 hours while awake (up to 4×/day)

• Dosage for corneal ulcers (1.5%):
  • Days 1–3: 1–2 drops every 30 minutes to 2 hours while awake, and approximately 4 and 6 hours after bedtime
    Day 4 until completion: 1–2 drops every 1–4 hours while awake 
• Missed dose: Use as soon as remembered unless near next dose; do not double.

10. Common Side Effects

• Eye-related: transient burning, stinging, pain, discomfort; blurred vision; foreign body sensation; photophobia; tearing; ocular itching; eyelid swelling in rare cases (~1–3%). 
• Other: headache, taste changes, sore throat, fever, upset stomach, sensitivity to light, throat symptoms.

11. Package Type

Typically supplied in a sterile 5 mL plastic bottle with dropper tip and cap, often boxed. 

12. Storage Advice

Store at room temperature (approx. 20–25 °C or 68–77 °F); sometimes permitted as low as 15 °C (59 °F). Keep in a cool, dry place away from light; discard per label or after 4 weeks of opening. Keep out of reach of children. 

13. Safety Advice

• Avoid contamination—do not touch dropper to eye or surfaces. 
• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment. 
• If allergic or hypersensitive to levofloxacin, other quinolones, or any ingredient—do not use. 
• Prolonged use may lead to fungal/ resistant infections—discontinue if they occur. 
• Discontinue and seek help immediately if signs of serious allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, etc.) occur.
  

14. Product Substitute

Other brands of levofloxacin ophthalmic drops (e.g., Cravit®, Iquix®, Quixin®, generic eye drops) are therapeutically equivalent. 

15. Manufacturer / Marketer

Cell depends on brand; examples include:

• Micro Labs Limited (India) – manufacturer for BPI Labs LLC eye drop products.
• Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan) – manufacturer of Cravit®.
  

16. Country of Origin

Depends on the manufacturer. Commonly:

• India (e.g., Micro Labs Ltd.)
• Japan (e.g., Santen)