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.
This medicine is available as a tablet or oral solution.
If you are taking the tablets, swallow it whole with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food.
If you are taking the oral solution, take it on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your prescribed dose. Ensure adequate fluid intake.
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 this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Levofloxacin and similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, and ofloxacin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizure)
- history of tendon problems related to antibiotic use
as Levofloxacin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- diabetes
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cell)
- mental illness or history of mental illness
- rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles)
- 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 elderly. Children and elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for a drug test, inform the person that will screen you that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Levofloxacin may cause drowsiness, dizziness with or without spinning sensation. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, headache, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
- pain, tenderness, and mild swelling in limbs or joints
- ruptured tendon usually characterized by a snap or pop you hear or feel, severe pain, bruising, and marked weakness on the affected area e.g. kneecap, shoulders, heel
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- irregular heartbeat
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, having thoughts of self-harm, seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- symptoms of hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar e.g. dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking
- symptoms of hyperglycaemia or high blood sugar e.g. thirst, increased urination, flushing
- cloudy urine, chills, lower back pain, fever
- seizures
- stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools
- severe diarrhoea, dehydration, stomach cramps and pain
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/using any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart disease e.g. amiodarone, sotalol
- medicines for pain and/or inflammation e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib, prednisone
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin
- medicines for stomach problems e.g. sucralfate, cimetidine
- medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, insulin
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. olanzapine
- medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- probenecid (medicine for gout)
- other antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with 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.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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