Levofloxacin: View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines

Levofloxacin

INFORMATION ABOUT LEVOFLOXACIN

Levofloxacin Uses

Levofloxacin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used in infections of urinary tract, tonsils, sinus, nose, throat, female genital organ, skin & soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia).

How Levofloxacin works

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby killing them.

Common side effects of Levofloxacin

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common

Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Increased liver enzymes, Infusion site reaction, Inflammation of vein

CONTENT DETAILS

Last updated

13 Jun 2023 | 11:29 AM (UTC)

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Medicine brands for Levofloxacin

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

7 variant(s)

Levomac

₹24 to ₹203

Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

8 variant(s)

Glevo

₹24 to ₹190

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

5 variant(s)

Levolve

₹78 to ₹124

Koye Pharmaceuticals Pvt ltd

2 variant(s)

Expert advice for Levofloxacin

Your doctor has prescribed Levofloxacin to cure your infection and improve symptoms.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Discontinue Levofloxacin and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Notify your doctor if you feel pain in your tendons, numbness, or tingling sensations.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Levofloxacin

Q. Is Levofloxacin safe?

Levofloxacin is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Levofloxacin?

If you forget a dose of Levofloxacin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. Can the use of Levofloxacin cause diarrhea?

Yes, the use of Levofloxacin can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, talk to your doctor about it.

Q. Can I stop taking Levofloxacin when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Levofloxacin and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. If you stop using Levofloxacin too early, the symptoms may return or worsen. Continue taking Levofloxacin in the dose and duration advised by the doctor.

Q. Can the use of Levofloxacin increase the risk of muscle damage?

Yes, the use of Levofloxacin is known to increase the risk of muscle damage, commonly in the ankle. Muscle damage can happen in people of all ages who take Levofloxacin but it may be more significant in people above 60 years of age. Inform your doctor if you feel any kind of muscle pain while using this medicine.