Levofloxacin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the nose, lungs, skin, prostate, bladder, and kidneys.
This medicine may be used to treat other bacterial infections as decided by your doctor.
Take Levofloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of this medicine may be taken differently.
This medicine is available as a tablet or oral solution.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Levofloxacin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Levofloxacin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin or ofloxacin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- history of tendon problems related to the use of a certain group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones
as Levofloxacin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems or disease e.g. congenital long QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormally fast and erratic heartbeats), heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), recent heart attack, slow heartbeat
- imbalance of essential minerals in the body e.g. low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood
- aortic aneurysm (weakness and bulging of the major blood vessel of the heart)
- aortic dissection (tear in the wall of the major blood vessel of the heart)
- family history of aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection
- diabetes
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells)
- mental health problems
- rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Levofloxacin to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. drug test, diagnostic test for TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis]), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, blood test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs or symptoms of allergic reactions, tendon problems, nerve damage, and changes in mood and behaviour may also be needed.
Levofloxacin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and loss of appetite.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools
- sudden severe pain in the chest, stomach or back that does not go away
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- pain, bruising, or swelling in the back of the shoulder, hand, ankle or other joints
- pain, numbness, burning, tingling and/or weakness in the hands, arms, feet or legs
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent) or having thoughts of self-harm
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- anti-inflammatory medicines
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, sotalol
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, indometacin
- medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, insulin
- medicines for mood disorders
- certain medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline
- certain blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- other antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Levofloxacin.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids) containing magnesium or aluminium, sucralfate (medicine for stomach ulcers), iron supplements, multivitamin preparations containing zinc, or didanosine (medicine for HIV infection) as they could reduce the effectiveness of Levofloxacin. If you must take any of these medicines, take them at least 2 hours before or after you have taken Levofloxacin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the tablet from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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