Julie asked
I have a prescription for a sinus infection for the antibiotic levofloxacin. I accidentally left it in my car overnight and part of the day with temps in the 10’s and 20’s (below freezing). Is it still good? Do I need to get a new prescription?
Answer
Your Levaquin (levofloxacin) tablets should have not been altered while in your car for less than 24 hours at below freezing and are most likely safe to take for the treatment of your sinus infection
Levaquin Storage
Although the prescribing information for levofloxacin tablets states they should be stored at room temperature, or between 59° F – 86° F in a tightly closed container, one study that looked at the stability of levofloxacin when stored between 23° F – 25° F found it remained stable for up to 57 days.
Levaquin Stability Study
This study was performed using a compounded suspension of commercially available 500 mg levofloxacin tablets mixed with equal amounts of flavoring syrup.
Six containers with equal amounts of the solution were made, three were stored at 73.4° F - 77° F and three were stored at 23° F – 25° F. The samples were inspected and tested immediately after preparation and at 8, 15, 29, and 57 days.
At least 99% of the initial levofloxacin concentration remained in all samples throughout the entire study period, so it was concluded that storage below the recommended temperatures did not alter the drug for up to 57 days.
While this study did not examine levofloxacin stability under 23° F, this temperature is below freezing (32° F) and your inquiry mentions the tablets were stored at temperatures relatively close this for less than 24 hours. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that your pills are still effective and safe to take.
Nevertheless, if you are concerned about the stability of your product or it looks like the tablets have degraded, please contact your doctor as they may be able to re-prescribe the antibiotic for you.
Summary
- Data from studies indicate that Levaquin (levofloxacin) can be stored between 23° F – 25° F for up to 57 days and remain effective.
