Levofloxacin
Description
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections that affect the nose, throat, eyes, ears, skin, lungs, or urinary tract. Levofloxacin is effective against a large number of bacteria. It kills the bacteria by interfering with its DNA formation and prevents the further growth of bacteria. It is not effective against infections caused by viruses.
Levofloxacin shows common side effects like diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Levofloxacin can cause muscle damage, usually in the ankle. Avoid any activity that requires concentration as Levofloxacin may cause dizziness or sleepiness and issues with eyesight.
Levofloxacin is available on prescription as tablets, injection, syrup, suspension, eye drops and eye/ear drops. Once an antibiotic is started, it is always recommended to finish the entire course of treatment. You can take Levofloxacin with or without food. For the ease of remembering, take this antibiotic around the same time every day. It is recommended to take Levofloxacin oral forms at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking antacids/dairy products as they can interfere with absorption of this medicine.
Levofloxacin should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of severe side effects on developing joints of your foetus. Levofloxacin is not known to be harmful but it can pass into breast milk in small amounts, so it is advised to consult the doctor before using it. Avoid Levofloxacin if you have kidney, liver impairments as it can worsen your conditions. Levofloxacin is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Levofloxacin
- Loose stools
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Skin rash
- Change in taste
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle pain
Uses of Levofloxacin
What is it prescribed for?
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Inhalation Anthrax
- Plague
- Prostatitis
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Otitis externa
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe onset of action for Levofloxacin is as follows: Oral and parenteral forms: It is 1-2 hours. Other forms: It is not known
- Duration of effectThe effects of Levofloxacin last for about 24-48 hours after administration of oral and parenteral forms respectively. For other forms, the duration of action is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Levofloxacin.
- Usage in pregnancy?Levofloxacin should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of adverse effects on joints of developing foetus. However, your doctor may prescribe this medicine if clearly needed.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Levofloxacin may pass into breast milk in small amounts and may harm your infant. Hence, it is acceptable for use in breastfeeding only upon your doctor's recommendation. Monitor your baby for symptoms of yeast infection such as diaper rash, thick white coating on the tongue and diarrhoea.
Allergy
Avoid taking Levofloxacin if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Tendinitis or tendon rupture
Levofloxacin can cause muscle damage especially in the elderly. Do not use Levofloxacin if you have tendon problems (a tissue that connects bone with muscles).
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia Gravis is a skeletal muscle weakness disorder characterized by severe weakness of any of the muscles of your arms and legs. Levofloxacin should be avoided if you have Myasthenia gravis as it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Levofloxacin should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of adverse effects on joints of developing foetus. However, your doctor may prescribe this medicine if clearly needed.
Breast-feeding
Levofloxacin may pass into breast milk in small amounts and may harm your infant. Hence, it is acceptable for use in breastfeeding only upon your doctor's recommendation. Monitor your baby for symptoms of yeast infection such as diaper rash, thick white coating on the tongue and diarrhoea.
General warnings
Muscle damage
Levofloxacin can cause muscle damage usually in tendons that surround the ankle. Inform your doctor if you feel pain, numbness, or tingling sensation in your muscles.
Antibiotic resistance
Finish the entire course of treatment with Levofloxacin, even if your condition gets better to avoid antibiotic resistance (a condition where microbes evolve mechanisms that protect them from the effects of antibiotics). If you still feel unwell after completing your antibiotic course, consult your doctor.
Driving or operating machinery
Levofloxacin may cause dizziness or sleepiness and may interfere with eyesight. Hence, avoid any activity that requires concentration like driving vehicles or operating machines after taking this medicine.
Kidney diseases
Use Levofloxacin with extreme caution if you have kidney problems, due to the risk of kidney damage. Dose adjustment will be done by your doctor based on your condition.
Diarrhoea
Levofloxacin can cause diarrhoea because it may also kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine. Get emergency medical help if you experience severe diarrhoea that is watery or bloody. Consult your pharmacist/doctor before taking anti-diarrhoeal medication.
Antacids
If you are taking an antacid containing aluminium and magnesium salts for indigestion, it can increase the time it takes for oral forms of Levofloxacin to act. Because of this, it is recommended to take Levofloxacin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking antacids.
Photosensitivity
Levofloxacin may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreens or wear protective clothing before stepping outside, to avoid adverse reactions while on treatment with this medicine.
Dairy products
Dairy products like milk and curd may interfere with the absorption of Levofloxacin. Hence avoid taking dairy products before and after 2 hours of taking oral forms of this medicine.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: Try not to skip a scheduled dose of Levofloxacin. In case the scheduled dose of Levofloxacin is forgotten, take it as soon as you remember. If it is delayed for more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not double the dose.
Injectable forms: It is always important to take your Levofloxacin injection at a scheduled time. If you missed taking the dose, inform your doctor as soon as you remember, and get an appointment for further instructions.
Eye/ear drops: Administer the missed dose of Levofloxacin eye/ear drops as soon as you remember. Do not instil more quantities to compensate for the missed dose.
Overdose
Oral forms: Never take more than the prescribed dose of Levofloxacin. Seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor in case you suspect an overdose of Levofloxacin.
Injectable form: Levofloxacin injection is administered in a hospital setting by your doctor, so the likelihood of an overdose is rare.
Eye/ear drops: An overdose of Levofloxacin is not likely to cause severe symptoms, However, if you suspect that you might have administered an overdose consult your doctor.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Escitalopram
Ethinyl Estradiol
Corticosteroids
Quinidine
Aspirin
Disease interactions
Central nervous system disorders
Use Levofloxacin with caution if you have nervous disorders like seizures, depression etc. Levofloxacin can trigger these conditions. Inform your doctor immediately if you observe such symptoms.
Colitis
Use Levofloxacin with extreme caution if you have a gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis (swelling of the inner lining of the colon), since it may worsen your condition.
QT Prolongation
Levofloxacin may cause a heart rhythm problem called prolonged QT intervals (an electrical heartbeat disturbance) if you are taking medications for heart conditions. It may result in fast, rapid, and irregular heartbeats.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Levofloxacin is proven to be highly effective in treating bacterial infections. Take Levofloxacin as instructed by the doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Take it at around the same time daily.
Levofloxacin is available as a tablet at strengths of 750 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg. Levofloxacin is also available as syrup/suspension, injectable doses and drops for eyes and ears. Your doctor will determine an appropriate dosage range for your condition.
Levofloxacin is to be taken for as long as the doctor advises, do not stop without completing the course to prevent the development of bacterial resistance.
Keep away from the reach of children and pets. Do not use it after the expiry date. Ensure that unused medicine is disposed of properly. Do not give your medicine to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Instructions for usage:
Tablet: Take Levofloxacin tablet with or without food. Do not chew or crush the tablet in the mouth
Injection: Levofloxacin injection is usually administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional.
Eye/ear drops: You should wash your hands properly before administering Levofloxacin eye/ear drops. Do not touch the tip of the dropper. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label and administer the drops into the affected organ exactly as directed.
Suspension/syrup: Shake Levofloxacin syrup/suspension well before use. Measure an appropriate dose using the accompanying measuring spoon or dropper.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Levofloxacin blocks the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This helps to kill and prevent the growth of bacteria, thus it cures the infection.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Fluoroquinolones, Antibiotics
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs, H., 2021. Levofloxacin: Medlineplus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 18 August 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Levofloxacin 500mg Film-coated Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 18 August 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Levofloxacin. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 18 August 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 18 August 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. These highlights do not include all the information needed to use LEVAQUIN ® safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for LEVAQUIN ®. LEVAQUIN ® (levofloxacin) tablets, for oral use Initial U.S. Approval: 1996. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 18 August 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 18 August 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 11 Nov 2021
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