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Levofloxacin

  • Levofloxacin is used for the treatment of infections.
  • Even if your condition improves it is important to complete the prescribed course or your infection could come back.
  • The most common side effects are feeling sick, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache.
  • Important: If you experience pain or inflammation in your joints, particularly hips, knees or ankles stop taking levofloxacin and rest the limb until the pain eases and contact your doctor the next working day.

About levofloxacin

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for A variety of infections including, those of the urinary tract, skin and respiratory system, such as sinus or chest infection
Also called Tavanic
Available as Tablet and injection

Levofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections; it works by killing bacteria that cause the infection.

Before taking levofloxacin

Before taking levofloxacin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer with epilepsy or any other condition that causes convulsions (fits).
  • If you have glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or if you have a family history of this condition.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (muscle weakening disease).
  • If you suffer from blood pressure problems or diabetes.
  • If the person who will be taking the medicine is a child or teenager.

How to take levofloxacin

  • Take levofloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • You must complete the course of levofloxacin, take at regular spaced intervals.
  • Levofloxacin must be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of levofloxacin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
  • Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking levofloxacin. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking levofloxacin and for at least seven days after your course has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Important: If you experience pain or inflammation in your joints, particularly hips, knees or ankles stop taking levofloxacin and rest the limb until the pain eases and contact your doctor the next working day.
  • Important: levofloxacin increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sun block product, particularly if you are exposed to strong sunlight, for long periods during the day.

Can levofloxacin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dizziness Avoid operating machinery, driving, or any other tasks that could be dangerous if you felt dizzy until you are sure you are not affected.
Drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Insomnia If this continues or becomes a problem that prevents you from taking your medicine speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Levofloxacin can also cause other side effects but they are much less common, if you experience any other problems that you think may be caused by your medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store levofloxacin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3218		 DocRef:
dils2071		 Last Updated:
25 Jun 2007		 Date of Next Review:
24 Jun 2009		 Version:
22








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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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