Levofloxacin: Practical guide for patients
Levofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic. It treats common infections like sinusitis, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and some skin infections. It’s strong and convenient because many people take it once daily, but it also carries specific risks you should know about before using it.
How it's used
Doctors prescribe levofloxacin when other simpler antibiotics won’t work or the bug is known to be sensitive to it. Typical adult doses range from 250 mg to 750 mg once daily, depending on the infection and kidney function. For many uncomplicated UTIs a short course may be enough; for pneumonia or more serious infections, treatment is longer and depends on your response.
Take it at the same time each day. You can take levofloxacin with or without food, but avoid dairy or calcium-rich drinks right before or after a dose — they can reduce how much medicine your body absorbs. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one. Don’t double-dose.
Side effects & safety
Minor side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, and mild stomach upset. There are some serious risks to watch for. Levofloxacin can damage tendons — especially the Achilles — and cause tendon pain, swelling, or rupture. Stop the drug and call your doctor if you feel sudden tendon pain.
It can also affect the nervous system: new or worsening nerve pain, tingling, or mood changes should prompt immediate contact with your provider. Rarely, levofloxacin can prolong the QT interval on an ECG, which affects heart rhythm. If you have a known heart rhythm problem or take other QT-prolonging drugs, tell your prescriber.
Kidney function matters. Your dose may need lowering if you have reduced kidney function. Always tell your doctor about any kidney disease or current medications.
Antibiotics can cause C. difficile infection, which is severe diarrhea that needs urgent care. If you get persistent watery diarrhea during or after treatment, see your doctor right away.
Drug interactions include antacids, sucralfate, multivitamins with iron or calcium, and some blood thinners. Some diabetes medicines may cause low blood sugar when combined with levofloxacin. Share a full list of your meds with your clinician before starting.
When should you call the doctor? Severe side effects like tendon pain, sudden numbness, severe diarrhea, signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, trouble breathing), or new mental changes require immediate attention.
One last point: use antibiotics responsibly. Only take levofloxacin when prescribed, complete the course unless your doctor says otherwise, and don’t save unused pills for later. If you have questions about getting this medication online or need cheaper options, ask your healthcare provider for safe, legal sources and check the pharmacy’s licensing before buying.
If you want, I can summarize dosing for a specific condition, list common drug interactions, or point to reliable patient leaflets. Which would help you most?
