Quinolones, Including Levofloxacin (Levaquin), Linked to Risk for Phototoxicity

On December 13, 2007, the FDA approved safety labeling revisions for levofloxacin (Levaquin tablets, oral solution, and intravenous injection; Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc) to warn of the risk for photosensitivity and phototoxicity associated with quinolone antibiotics.

In addition to moderate to severe photosensitivity, the agency has received postmarketing reports of phototoxicity reactions that can manifest as exaggerated sunburn reactions such as burning, erythema, exudation, vesicles, blistering, and edema that involve areas exposed to light (eg, the face, "V" area of the neck, extensor surfaces of the forearms, and dorsa of the hands). These reactions can be associated with the use of quinolones after sun or ultraviolet light exposure.

Excessive exposure to these sources of light should therefore be avoided, and treatment should be discontinued if photosensitivity or phototoxicity occurs.

Patients should be advised to minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (eg, tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while taking quinolones. Those who need to be outdoors during therapy should wear loose-fitting clothes that protect skin from sun exposure and adopt other sun protection measures such as sunscreen if possible.

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of designated microorganisms. Specific uses include the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis,

nosocomial pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, complicated and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, chronic bacterial prostatitis, complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, acute pyelonephritis, and inhalational anthrax

and Lyme too

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