About levofloxacin hemihydrate
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Used for
- Certain bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory infections
- Urinary tract and kidney infections
- Skin and soft-tissue infections
- Other susceptible bacterial infections when appropriate
Usual adult dose
Usually 500 mg once daily; some infections require 250–750 mg once daily. Infusion dosing depends on infection and kidney function.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or headache
- Dizziness or sleep disturbance
- Tendon pain or rupture
- Rarely, nerve damage or serious mood or heart-rhythm effects
Important warnings
- Use only for bacterial infections; resistance can develop.
- May cause tendon injury, nerve damage, or serious mental-health effects; stop and seek urgent medical care if these occur.
- Can affect heart rhythm and blood glucose; risk may be higher with certain conditions or medicines.
- Dose adjustment may be needed for impaired kidney function.
Pregnancy
Generally avoided in pregnancy unless a clinician considers it essential; human safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Usually avoided during breastfeeding; a clinician should weigh treatment and infant risks.
Interactions
- Antacids, iron, zinc, or calcium can reduce absorption of oral levofloxacin; this does not apply to infusion.
- Warfarin may have increased effects; closer monitoring may be needed.
- Medicines that prolong heart rhythm can increase abnormal-rhythm risk.
- Corticosteroids may increase the risk of tendon injury.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.