About levofloxacin hemihydrates
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Used for
- Treats certain bacterial infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
- Used for skin, sinus, and other susceptible bacterial infections.
Usual adult dose
Usually 500 mg once daily; some infections require 750 mg once daily. Infused over at least 60–90 minutes, depending on dose.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, or trouble sleeping.
- Tendon pain or rupture, nerve problems, and blood-sugar changes.
- Rarely, serious mood or heart rhythm effects.
Important warnings
- Not for viral infections; use only when prescribed for a susceptible bacterial infection.
- Stop and seek medical attention for tendon pain, numbness, severe allergic reaction, or major mood changes.
- May worsen myasthenia gravis; adjust dosing in kidney impairment.
- Can prolong heart rhythm and increase risk of aortic aneurysm or rupture in susceptible people.
Pregnancy
Generally avoided when safer alternatives are suitable; use only when benefits outweigh potential risks.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter milk; a clinician should weigh treatment benefits and potential infant risks.
Interactions
- Iron, zinc, magnesium, aluminum, and calcium products can reduce absorption of oral levofloxacin.
- Warfarin may have increased effects; monitoring may be needed.
- Corticosteroids increase tendon injury risk.
- Some heart-rhythm medicines and diabetes medicines can increase risks.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.