Quixin

Quixin is a prescription medication used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) caused by certain kinds of bacteria. Quixin belongs to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolone antibiotics which work by killing the bacteria causing infection.

This medication comes in as an ophthalmic solution to be instilled in the affected eye(s) for 7 days. 

Common side effects of Quixin include decreased vision, feeling like there is something in the eye, and headache. 

Quixin is a prescription medication used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) caused by certain kinds of bacteria.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Use Quixin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. 

Quixin comes in as an ophthalmic solution to be instilled in the affected eye(s) for 7 days. 

• Days 1-2: Instill one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times per day.
• Days 3-7: Instill one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 4 hours while awake, up to 4 times per day.

Systemic quinolones have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions, even following a single dose. Discontinue use immediately and contact your physician at the first sign of a rash or allergic reaction.

Common side effects of Quixin include:

• decreased vision
• fever
• foreign body sensation (feeling like there is something in the eye)
• headache
• burning of the eye
• eye pain
• pharyngitis and photophobia 
• dry eyes
• swelling of the eyelid 
• itchy eyes
• sore throat
• sensitive to light
• allergic reactions

Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Quixin. However, tell your doctor if you take:

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven)
• theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Theochron, Uniphyl, Theolair)
• caffeine
• cyclosporine 

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal and dietary supplements. 

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Quixin falls into category C. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Quixin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. 

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Quixin is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.  Caution should be exercised when Quixin is administered to a nursing mother.

Levofloxacin can make your skin sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity) and the light from sunlamps and tanning beds. Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and try to limit your time in the sun.

Tendon rupture or swelling of the tendon (tendinitis) can happen when taking levofloxacin. Some tendon problems include pain, swelling, tears, and inflammation of tendons including the back of the ankle (Achilles), shoulder, hand, or other tendon sites. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should continue to take levofloxacin.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking levofloxacin.