Levofloxacin tablets for infection

About levofloxacin

What is levofloxacin used for?

Levofloxacin is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as sinusitis, chest infections, urine infections, prostatitis, and some skin and soft tissue infections.

It works by killing the bacteria which are the cause of the infection.

Other antibiotics are usually prescribed in preference to levofloxacin. Levofloxacin is reserved for infections which have not improved with other antibiotic treatment. It is also used if other, more preferred, antibiotics cannot be prescribed for some reason.

Levofloxacin is also available as eye drops for the treatment of eye infections. For more information on this use see the leaflet Levofloxacin eye drops.

Side effects of levofloxacin

Common side effects of levofloxacin are:

• Feeling sick.

• Being sick.

• Diarrhoea.

• Headache.

• Feeling dizzy.

• Problems sleeping.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

How to manage levofloxacin side effects

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Who should not take levofloxacin tablets

Some medicines aren’t suitable for certain health conditions or may require extra care. Before taking levofloxacin, it is important to let your doctor know:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding.

• If you are under 18 years of age.

• If you have ever experienced a problem with your tendons, called tendonitis.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have epilepsy or any other condition that causes fits.

• If you have ever had mental health problems.

• If you have a heart condition, or if you have been told you have an unusual heartbeat.

• If you have aortic aneurysm or a family history of aneurysm disease.

• If you have a condition causing tired and weak muscles, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you know you have glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This is a genetic disorder which causes problems after eating foods such as fava beans.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine, especially to another quinolone antibiotic such as norfloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or nalidixic acid.

How to take levofloxacin tablets

• Read the information leaflet in the pack before starting, as it explains levofloxacin and its possible side effects.

• Take levofloxacin exactly as your doctor tells you. The usual dose is 500 mg daily, but it may be 250 mg once daily or 500 mg twice daily depending on your infection. Check the label for your correct dose.

• You can take it before or after meals. If taking once a day, take it in the morning. If more than once a day, space doses about 12 hours apart.

• Swallow tablets with water. You can split them along the score line if needed, but do not crush or chew.

• Avoid antacids, iron, or zinc supplements for two hours before and after each dose, as they reduce how well the medicine works.

• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is due then skip the missed dose. Don’t take two doses at once.

• Finish the full course even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop. Most courses last 7–14 days. See your doctor if you still feel unwell after finishing the treatment.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Remember to keep any routine appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.

• Levofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds, especially in strong sunlight.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines. Avoid NSAID painkillers, such as ibuprofen, while on levofloxacin.

• Some people develop thrush (oral or vaginal) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

• Levofloxacin may make you feel light-headed and impair your ability to concentrate. Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive and before you use tools or machines.

• If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar (glucose) levels more regularly, as levofloxacin can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.

How to store levofloxacin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

  Important information about all medicines

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for levofloxacin to work?

Levofloxacin usually starts to work within a few hours, with most people noticing an improvement in their symptoms after 1-3 days. Always finish your course of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Is levofloxacin safe to take during pregnancy?

Levofloxacin is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may affect developing cartilage and joints in the baby. Doctors usually only prescribe levofloxacin if no safer option is available and the infection is serious.

Can you drink alcohol while taking levofloxacin?

It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking levofloxacin. Alcohol doesn't stop levofloxacin from working, but it can make side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or stomach upset worse and it may slow down your body’s recovery.

Is levofloxacin a penicillin?

No, levofloxacin is not a penicillin. It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which works differently from penicillin-type antibiotics and is used to treat infections when other antibiotics may not be suitable.

What bacteria does levofloxacin kill?

Levofloxacin kills a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means it works against many different bacteria.

What should you avoid while taking levofloxacin?

When taking levofloxacin, you should avoid having dairy products at the time of dose, antacids and supplements - especially iron, calcium, and zinc - within 2 hours before or after your dose, and large amounts of alcohol.