Indications
- Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
- It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
- This medication only treats bacterial infections, not viral infections like the common cold or flu.
- Taking antibiotics when not needed can make them less effective for future infections.
Dosage and administration
- Levofloxacin comes with a Medication Guide, read it carefully before starting the medication and with each refill. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
- Take levofloxacin by mouth, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids while taking it.
- Take levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or after certain medications that can make it less effective. Ask your pharmacist for a complete list.
- The dose and duration of treatment depend on your medical condition and response. For children, weight also affects the dosage.
- Take levofloxacin at evenly spaced times each day.
- Finish the entire prescription even if symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping early can cause the infection to return.
- Tell your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or worsens.
Side effects
- Levofloxacin may cause nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or trouble sleeping. Tell your doctor if any of these effects become bothersome.
- Serious side effects are rare but tell your doctor right away about unusual bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney or liver problems, chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, or fast/irregular heartbeat.
- Seek immediate medical help for signs of a tear/break in the aorta (sudden/severe pain in stomach/chest/back, shortness of breath).
- In rare cases, levofloxacin may cause C. difficile, a serious intestinal infection. Tell your doctor right away about diarrhea that doesn’t stop, abdominal pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.
- Using levofloxacin for a long time may cause thrush or yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
- Allergic reactions are also rare, but seek medical help immediately if you experience rash, itching/swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Precautions
- Talk to your doctor before taking levofloxacin if you are allergic to it, other quinolone antibiotics, or have any other allergies.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially diabetes, joint/tendon problems, kidney problems, mental/mood disorders, myasthenia gravis, nerve problems, seizure disorder, blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or certain genetic conditions.
- Levofloxacin may affect heart rhythm. Tell your doctor about any heart problems or medications you take that can affect heart rhythm.
- Levofloxacin may affect blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and tell your doctor about any changes.
- Levofloxacin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Avoid driving, machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you feel safe. Limit alcohol and marijuana use.
- Levofloxacin may increase sun sensitivity. Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing.
- Levofloxacin may interfere with live bacterial vaccines. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before getting vaccinated.
- Tell your doctor or dentist about all medications you take before surgery.
- Children and older adults may be at higher risk for side effects with levofloxacin.
- Levofloxacin should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Levofloxacin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.