Levofloxacin

1 medicine

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for infections when other antibiotics aren't suitable. It carries boxed warnings for tendon rupture, aortic aneurysm or dissection, and permanent nerve damage, so it is reserved for situations where safer alternatives won't work.

Levaquin

Levofloxacin

250/500/750mg

Levaquin is a antibiotics medication containing Levofloxacin, available as 250/500/750mg tablets.

from $0.74 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that stops bacteria from copying their DNA. It is usually taken once daily as a tablet, liquid, or by injection in hospital.
  • It carries boxed warnings for tendon rupture, aortic aneurysm and dissection, and permanent peripheral nerve damage, so it is reserved for infections where other antibiotics are unsuitable or have already failed.
  • Seek urgent care for tendon pain or swelling, sudden severe back, chest, or abdominal pain, or new numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs.
  • Complete the full course exactly as prescribed, even once you feel better.

What levofloxacin treats

Levofloxacin treats bacterial pneumonia, complicated urinary tract and kidney infections, sinus infections, and certain skin infections, generally when other antibiotic classes are not suitable.

How levofloxacin works

Levofloxacin spreads through the bloodstream to the site of infection and blocks enzymes bacteria need to copy their DNA. Without those enzymes, the bacteria cannot multiply, and the immune system clears the remaining infection.

Before you take it

  • Avoid levofloxacin if you have myasthenia gravis; fluoroquinolones can worsen muscle weakness, sometimes severely.
  • Tell your prescriber about tendon problems, an aortic aneurysm or connective tissue disorder, seizures, or a prolonged QT interval.
  • Antacids and supplements containing calcium, magnesium, iron, or zinc reduce absorption; separate them from your dose by several hours.
  • Corticosteroids taken together with levofloxacin raise the risk of tendon rupture, especially in older adults.

Side effects

Common effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and a temporary metallic taste.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Tendon pain or swelling, especially in the shoulder, elbow, or Achilles tendon.
  • Sudden numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
  • Sudden, severe pain in the chest, back, or abdomen.
  • Rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Safety essentials

  • Stop levofloxacin and contact your prescriber immediately at the first sign of tendon pain or swelling; the risk is higher over age 60, with steroid use, and after an organ transplant.
  • Seek emergency care for sudden, severe pain in your chest, back, or abdomen. This can signal a tearing or bulging aortic wall, a rare but life-threatening reaction linked to fluoroquinolones.
  • Nerve damage such as tingling, numbness, or weakness can become permanent; report new symptoms right away so the drug can be stopped.
  • Avoid levofloxacin if you have myasthenia gravis, since it can worsen muscle weakness to the point of breathing difficulty.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.