Often used for:
Infections
What is Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used to prevent or treat infections. It works to kill bacteria that cause infections.
Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and neutropenia may receive levofloxacin until neutropenia improves.
Patients may have tests to monitor blood counts while receiving this medicine.
Possible Long-Term Side Effects
- Joint, muscle, or tendon problems
- Peripheral neuropathy
Possible Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Constipation
- Sun sensitivity
- Joint or tendon problems
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Vaginal itching and/or discharge
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck
- Not all patients who take levofloxacin will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for Families
- Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Let a doctor know if the patient has severe diarrhea while on this medicine.
- While taking this medicine, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Patients should follow the care team's instructions for appropriate fluid intake.
- Patients should protect their skin from the sun while taking this medicine.
- While taking levofloxacin, patients should not take antacids unless recommended by a doctor.
- Multivitamins and certain mineral supplements can affect how levofloxacin works. Discuss all medicines and supplements with the care team.
- Levofloxacin may affect blood sugar levels. Patients should tell a doctor if they have or ever had diabetes.
- If taking levofloxacin eye drops for an infection, do not wear contact lenses until a doctor says it is ok to do so.
- Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Finish all doses of the medicine as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.
