Symptoms include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Central nervous system effects. This drug raises your risk of central nervous system (CNS) effects.
- severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
- rash.
- hives.
- itching.
- peeling or blistering of the skin.
- fever.
- swelling of the eyes, face, mouth. ...
- hoarseness or throat tightness.
What should I know about levofloxacin before taking it?
· unsteadiness or awkwardness unusual bleeding or bruising unusual tiredness or weakness vision changes voice changes weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet including worsening of myasthenia gravis. Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention Some side effects of levofloxacin may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
Is levofloxacin effective for the treatment of urinary tract infections?
· Symptoms include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Central nervous system effects. This drug raises your risk of central nervous system (CNS) effects. These can include convulsions,...
How does levofloxacin kill bacteria?
· Levofloxacin may cause serious liver problems, including hepatitis. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child start having nausea or vomiting, dark urine, light-colored stools, stomach pain, or yellow eyes or skin while using this medicine. Levofloxacin may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe.
How common are serious side effects of levofloxacin?
General. The most frequently reported side effects with the IV and oral formulations included nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, constipation, and dizziness. Therapy was discontinued due to side effects in 4.3% of patients overall (3.8% treated with 250 mg and 500 mg doses; 5.4% treated with 750 mg dose).
Which answer includes the most serious side effects of levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, side effects on your nerves (which may cause permanent nerve damage), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).
How long after taking levofloxacin can side effects occur?
Tendon swelling and injury may occur within 2 days of starting treatment with a fluoroquinolone but may even occur several months after stopping treatment.
Can levofloxacin treat blood infection?
Levofloxacin is currently thought to be a useful agent for the treatment of bacteraemia/sepsis.
How do I know if levofloxacin is working?
As a reasonably strong antibiotic, levofloxacin will begin working within a matter of hours, but it can be two to three days before symptoms begin to improve. Take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare provider, even if you feel better after a few days.
Can levofloxacin cause body aches?
Levofloxacin and other quinolone antibiotics may worsen symptoms of muscle pain, weakness, and muscle fatigue associated with myasthenia gravis or unmask a previously undiagnosed case.
What is fluoroquinolone toxicity syndrome?
Fluoroquinolone toxicity can cause irreversible nerve damage. In 2013, the FDA added a boxed warning for nerve damage to all oral or injectable fluoroquinolones. The most common form of nerve damage caused by fluoroquinolones is peripheral neuropathy. This is nerve damage that affects your arms and legs.
Is levofloxacin 500mg a strong antibiotic?
Levaquin is a brand-name version of levofloxacin, a strong antibiotic used for treating several different infections, including pneumonia. Levaquin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is one of a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. These drugs work by killing bacteria in the body.
Does levofloxacin have a black box warning?
On May 12, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it is requiring a stronger black box warning for common, popular antibiotics called fluoroquinolones that include Levaquin (levofloxacin), Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Avelox (moxifloxacin) — medications taken by more than 26 million Americans each year.
What are the side effects of levofloxacin antibiotic?
Levofloxacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:nausea.vomiting.diarrhea.stomach pain.constipation.heartburn.vaginal itching and/or discharge.
How long does levofloxacin side effects last?
If the patient generally has good health, the body can eliminate Levaquin (levofloxacin) in about 30 to 40 hours, or about a day and a half to two days, but some side effects of the drug can show up as long as two months or longer after taking the medicine.
Does levofloxacin make you tired?
Levofloxacin may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.
Can medicine cause side effects?
Side Effects. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
What does it mean when your legs are red?
pain, inflammation, or swelling in the calves of the legs, shoulders, or hands. redness and swelling of the skin. seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there. sensation of burning on the skin. severe mood or mental changes. stomach cramps or pain (severe) skin rash, itching, or redness. trembling.
What are the symptoms of a swollen calf?
Agitation. blisters. confusion. diarrhea (watery and severe) which may also be bloody. feeling that others can hear your thoughts or control your behavior. fever . pain, inflammation, or swelling in the calves of the legs, shoulders, or hands. redness and swelling of the skin.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
severe tiredness. tightness in the chest. unsteadiness or awkwardness. unusual bleeding or bruising. unusual tiredness or weakness. vision changes. voice changes. weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
What does it mean when your stomach is red?
redness and swelling of the skin. seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there. sensation of burning on the skin. severe mood or mental changes. stomach cramps or pain (severe) skin rash, itching, or redness. trembling. unusual behavior.
Does levofloxacin cause side effects?
Levofloxacin side effects. Levofloxacin can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking levofloxacin. This list does not include all possible side effects. For more information on the possible side effects of levofloxacin, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side ...
How does levofloxacin work?
A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Levofloxacin works by killing the bacteria that are causing an infection.
Is levofloxacin a generic drug?
Levofloxacin oral tablet is available as a generic drug only. Levofloxacin also comes as an oral solution and as eye drops. In addition, it comes in an intravenous (IV) form that’s only given by a healthcare provider. Levofloxacin oral tablet is used to treat bacterial infections.
Can levofloxacin be used for bronchitis?
skin infections. chronic prostate infection. urinary tract infections. pyelonephritis (kidney infection) inhalational anthrax. plague. Levofloxacin may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.
How long does it take for levofloxacin to go away?
headache. diarrhea. insomnia (trouble sleeping) constipation. dizziness. These effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Can levofloxacin interact with other medications?
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. Below is a list of medications that can interact with levofloxacin.
Can levofloxacin cause high blood sugar?
For people with diabetes: People who take levofloxacin with diabetes drugs or insulin can develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Severe problems, such as coma and death, have been reported as a result of hypoglycemia. Test your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends.
How does levofloxacin work?
Levofloxacin works by converting two bacterial enzymes, topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, into toxic enzymes that inhibit the manufacture and repair of DNA and other DNA processes, killing the bacteria.
Does levofloxacin cause headaches?
Tendonitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in fingers and toes) and central nervous system effects (side effects that affect the brain including psychosis, convulsions, hallucinations) have been associated with levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones.
What is the purpose of levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that may be used to treat certain bacterial infections. Levofloxacin works by converting two bacterial enzymes, topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, into toxic enzymes that inhibit the manufacture and repair of DNA and other DNA processes, killing the bacteria.
Can levofloxacin be used for sinusitis?
However, it is usually only used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, chronic bronchitis, and sinusitis when other alternative treatment options have failed or cannot be used. Levofloxacin may also be used to treat certain types of lung infections.
What is the L-isomer of ofloxacin?
Levofloxacin is the L-isomer of ofloxacin, which is also a quinolone antibiotic. However, the majority of the antibacterial activity of ofloxacin resides in the L-isomer, which is levofloxacin. 7. Interactions.
Does levofloxacin cause pain?
In rare cases, levofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of the body.
How long does levofloxacin last?
Levofloxacin is usually given for up to 14 days. Some infections may need to be treated for 4 to 8 weeks. Anthrax exposure is usually treated for 60 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Drink extra fluids to keep your kidneys working properly while using levofloxacin.
What is levofloxacin used for?
Levofloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. Levofloxacin is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible. Levofloxacin should be used only for infections ...
What are the side effects of a syringe?
nausea, constipation, diarrhea; dizziness; headache; or. sleep problems ( insomnia ). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What does it mean when you have a rash on your stomach?
severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody; fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; a seizure (convulsions); muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
What are the symptoms of a less severe expression?
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i. anemia. decreased blood platelets. very low levels of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell. toxic psychosis. nightmares. agitation. hyperactive behavior. double vision.
What is Stevens Johnson syndrome?
a skin disorder with blistering and peeling skin called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. inflammation of a tendon. rupture of a tendon. rupture of a tendon in the shoulder area. rupture of tendons that extend the hand and wrist. rupture of tendons that flex the hand and wrist. rupture of the tendon in the back of the heel.
What is pseudotumor cerebri?
pseudotumor cerebri, a condition with high fluid pressure in the brain. a type of brain function problem called encephalopathy. a painful condition that affects the nerves in the legs and arms called peripheral neuropathy. a type of muscle paralysis due to blocked nerve function called neuromuscular blockade.
What is it called when you have a pain in your legs?
a painful condition that affects the nerves in the legs and arms called peripheral neuropathy. a type of muscle paralysis due to blocked nerve function called neuromuscular blockade. inflammation of the uvea of the eye. hearing loss.
What is torsades de pointes?
torsades de pointes, a type of abnormal heart rhythm. prolonged QT interval on EKG. abnormal heart rhythm. inflammation of the blood vessels. thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a type of blood disorder. inflammation in the lungs due to an allergic reaction.
What is prolonged QT interval?
prolonged QT interval on EKG. abnormal heart rhythm. inflammation of the blood vessels. thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a type of blood disorder. inflammation in the lungs due to an allergic reaction. acute liver failure. inflammation of the liver called hepatitis.
What is thrombocytopenic purpura?
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a type of blood disorder. inflammation in the lungs due to an allergic reaction. acute liver failure. inflammation of the liver called hepatitis. a type of kidney inflammation called interstitial nephritis. acute kidney failure.
What is levofloxacin used for?
Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria; urinary infections (UTIs) and prostatitis (infection of the prostate); infectious diarrhea caused by E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Shigella bacteria;
Can levofloxacin cause seizures?
Sun sensitivity. Other serious side effects and adverse events of levofloxacin include: Levofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system diseases such as seizures, because rare seizures have been reported in patients receiving Levaquin. Levofloxacin should be avoided in children and adolescents less than 18 years ...
What are the side effects of Levaquin?
What are the important side effects of Levaquin (levofloxacin)? Serious side effects and warnings include: Levofloxacin as well as other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics have been associated with tendinitis and even rupture of tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon. Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity ...
Can you take Levaquin while pregnant?
Levaquin is not recommended for use in pregnant women since Levaquin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species. Levaquin is excreted in breast milk. Mothers should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue Levaquin.
Can fluoroquinolone cause muscle weakness?
Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity and can worsen muscle weakness in individuals with myasthenia gravis. The most frequently reported side effects are: Nausea or vomiting. Diarrhea.
Does Levaquin affect AUC?
No significant effect of Levaquin ® on the peak plasma concentrations, AUC, and other disposition parameters for cyclosporine was detected in a clinical study involving healthy volunteers. However, elevated serum levels of cyclosporine have been reported in the patient population when coadministered with some other fluoroquinolones.
What is the purpose of levaquin?
Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria; urinary infections (UTIs) and prostatitis (infection of the prostate); infectious diarrhea caused by E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Shigella bacteria; various obstetric infections, including mastitis (infection of the breast); and inhalational anthrax exposure. Levaquin is used to prevent and treat plague caused by Yersinia pestis. Common side effects of Levaquin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, constipation, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, abdominal pain, rash, gas, and itching.
How It Works
Upsides
- Black, tarry stools
- blurred vision
- burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
- cough
Downsides
Bottom Line
- Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that may be used to treat certain bacterial infections.
- Levofloxacin works by converting two bacterial enzymes, topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, into toxic enzymes that inhibit the manufacture and repair of DNA and other DNA processes, killing the bacte...
- Levofloxacin belongs to a group of medicines called fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
Tips
- Levofloxacin may be used to treat infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, and prostate caused by susceptible bacteria. However, it is usually only used in the treatment of urinary tract...
- Levofloxacin may also be used to treat certain types of lung infections.
- May be given as a preventive measure when people have been exposed to anthrax.
- Levofloxacin may be used to treat infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, and prostate caused by susceptible bacteria. However, it is usually only used in the treatment of urinary tract...
- Levofloxacin may also be used to treat certain types of lung infections.
- May be given as a preventive measure when people have been exposed to anthrax.
- Effective against susceptible strains of a number of different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, for example: Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only), S. epidermidis (m...
Response and Effectiveness
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Headache, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. 2. Tendonitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in fingers and toes) and central nervous system...
Interactions
- Levofloxacin treats a wide range of bacterial infections; however, it can cause some very severe and potentially irreversible side effects such as tendonitis or tendon rupture and should only be used to treat infections that have not responded to alternative treatment options.
Further Information
- Oral levofloxacin tablets can be administered without regard to food. Take oral levofloxacin solution one hour before or two hours after food.
- Take levofloxacin at least two hours before or two hours after antacids or preparations containing iron or zinc.
- Should be taken exactly as directed and for the time period indicated to reduce the risk of res…
- Oral levofloxacin tablets can be administered without regard to food. Take oral levofloxacin solution one hour before or two hours after food.
- Take levofloxacin at least two hours before or two hours after antacids or preparations containing iron or zinc.
- Should be taken exactly as directed and for the time period indicated to reduce the risk of resistant bacteria developing, unless side effects force early discontinuation.
- Ensure you keep hydrated while taking levofloxacin to prevent crystal formation in your urine.