Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved levofloxacin oral tablet to treat certain bacterial infections in adults. Examples include:
- pneumonia
- certain skin infections
- prostate infection
- plague
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- a certain sudden and severe kidney infection
- sinus infection
It’s also used to treat plague and exposure to anthrax in children ages 6 months and older.
This article describes possible side effects of levofloxacin oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for levofloxacin.
Levofloxacin oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Levofloxacin also comes in other forms, including a solution for injection, an eye drop, and a solution that you swallow. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
You can explore this overview article to learn more about levofloxacin oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, dosage, and more.
Boxed warnings
Levofloxacin has boxed warnings about the risk of:
- serious tendon problems
- nerve damage
- central nervous system problems
- worsening of myasthenia gravis (weakening of skeletal muscle) in people with the condition
Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of levofloxacin in detail” section below.
More common side effects of levofloxacin
Levofloxacin oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of levofloxacin oral tablet include:
- nausea
- headache
- diarrhea
- trouble sleeping
- constipation
Mild side effects of levofloxacin
Levofloxacin may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of levofloxacin oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- nausea
- headache
- diarrhea
- trouble sleeping
- constipation
- dizziness
- upset stomach
- muscle or joint pain
- mild sun sensitivity
- mild allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of levofloxacin in detail” section below.
Levofloxacin oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of levofloxacin
Levofloxacin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from levofloxacin oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with levofloxacin oral tablet.
Serious side effects of levofloxacin oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- severe diarrhea due to Clostridium difficile (“C. diff”) infection
- very high or low blood sugar
- liver problems, including liver damage
- kidney problems, including sudden kidney failure
- long QT syndrome (a type of irregular heart rhythm)
- severe sun sensitivity
- risk of serious tendon problems*
- risk of nerve damage*
- risk of central nervous system problems*
- worsening of myasthenia gravis in people with the condition*
- severe allergic reaction†
* Levofloxacin oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of levofloxacin in detail” section below.
† For more details about this side effect, see the “Side effects of levofloxacin in detail” section below.
Side effects of levofloxacin in children
Levofloxacin may be prescribed to children ages 6 months and older to:
- treat plague
- help prevent inhalation anthrax (a serious condition caused by certain bacteria) after being exposed
In children, side effects of levofloxacin are expected to be similar to those in adults. But in studies, certain side effects were more common in children than those in adults. These include:
- joint pain
- walking differently than usual
- breakdown of collagen in the tendon*
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have additional questions or concerns about side effects of levofloxacin in your child.
*Levofloxacin oral tablet has a boxed warning for serious tendon problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of levofloxacin in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of levofloxacin
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of levofloxacin oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can levofloxacin cause certain side effects in older adults?
No, levofloxacin isn’t expected to cause certain side effects in older adults (ages 65 years and older).
However, older adults have an increased risk of certain serious side effects from levofloxacin treatment. These include:
- liver problems, including liver damage
- kidney problems, including sudden kidney failure
- long QT syndrome (a type of irregular heart rhythm)
- risk of serious tendon problems*
- risk of nervous system problems*
If you’re an older adult and want to learn more about your risk of side effects from taking levofloxacin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* Levofloxacin oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of levofloxacin in detail” section below.
Will levofloxacin 500 mg cause different side effects than the other strengths of the drug?
No, different strengths of levofloxacin are not expected to cause different side effects.
In general, taking a higher dose of a medication may increase your risk of having side effects. But for most drugs, it won’t usually cause different side effects.
If you have questions about your levofloxacin dosage and your risk of side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long do side effects of levofloxacin last?
It depends. In most cases, mild side effects of levofloxacin are temporary. And they can be easily treated by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.
It’s also important to keep in mind that levofloxacin is usually used as a short-term treatment to treat a bacterial infection. The drug’s mild side effects will likely go away after you finish your treatment.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that become bothersome or don’t go away.
Note: Levofloxacin may also cause serious long-term side effects. For more details, see “Does levofloxacin cause long-term side effects?” below.
If I take levofloxacin, will I experience kidney-related side effects?
It’s not likely, but possible. Kidney problems, including sudden kidney failure, have rarely been reported with fluoroquinolone antibiotics. This includes levofloxacin.
Symptoms of sudden kidney failure include:
- fluid buildup and swelling
- feeling confused or other mood changes
- moving slowly or sluggishly
- fatigue (low energy)
- decreased sensation in your hands or feet
- nausea and vomiting
Your risk of kidney-related side effects is higher if you take levofloxacin and have an existing kidney problem, such as chronic (long-term) kidney disease.
Let your doctor know right away if you think you’re experiencing kidney problems as a side effect from taking levofloxacin. They can recommend the best way to treat your symptoms. And they’ll likely have you stop taking levofloxacin.
Does levofloxacin cause long-term side effects?
It’s possible. Long-term side effects have been reported with levofloxacin treatment. These include:
- serious tendon problems*
- nerve damage*
- central nervous system problems*
- liver problems, including liver damage†
- long QT syndrome (a type of irregular heart rhythm)†
These side effects could occur right after starting levofloxacin treatment but may continue for a long time, even after stopping treatment.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about levofloxacin and its long-term side effects.
* Levofloxacin oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of levofloxacin in detail” section below.
† This is a serious side effect of levofloxacin oral tablet. For information about serious side effects, see the “Serious side effects of levofloxacin” section above.
Coupon for levofloxacin
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for levofloxacin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects of levofloxacin in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of levofloxacin oral tablet.
Boxed warnings
Similar to other fluoroquinolone antibiotic drugs, levofloxacin has several boxed warnings. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Side effects described in these warnings were rare in levofloxacin’s studies. But if they occur, they may cause disability and may not go away. These side effects may occur within hours after starting levofloxacin. They can also happen even if you’ve been safely taking the drug for many weeks.
If you have questions about these boxed warnings, be sure to talk with your doctor.
Serious tendon problems
Taking levofloxacin may increase the risk of tendon rupture (damage) or inflammation (swelling). (Tendons are tissues that connect your muscles to your bones.)
With tendon rupture, you may feel or hear a snap or pop around your tendon. You may be unable to move the affected body part and may have bruising. Symptoms of tendon inflammation can include pain and tenderness. This may make it hard to move the affected area.
Symptoms usually occur in the Achilles tendon (tendon that connects your back leg muscles). But they can also occur in your shoulder, upper arm, hand, or thumb. Tendon problems may affect one or both sides of your body.
In some cases, tendon problems caused by levofloxacin treatment can be permanent.
However, certain factors increase the risk of tendon rupture or inflammation, including:
- being age 60 years or older
- taking a corticosteroid drug, such as prednisone
- having received a heart, lung, or kidney transplant
- engaging in tough physical exercises or activities
- having other tendon problems, including rheumatoid arthritis
- having kidney failure
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of a tendon rupture, seek medical help immediately by going to the closest urgent care center or emergency room. Or call 911 or your local emergency number.
If you notice any tendon pain or swelling, you should stop taking levofloxacin and contact your doctor immediately. You should also avoid exercising or using the affected body part until your doctor advises you can do so. Your doctor can recommend how to best handle your symptoms. They can also advise how to treat your infection using a treatment other than levofloxacin.
Nerve damage
Taking levofloxacin can cause nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. Nerve damage caused by levofloxacin may affect your arms, hands, legs, or feet. And it may affect more than one body area.
Symptoms of nerve damage include:
- pain, burning, or tingling
- weakness
- changes to your sense of touch, which can affect how you notice temperature, pain, and other sensations
In rare cases, nerve damage caused by the drug may be irreversible.
Ways to manage
If you notice symptoms of nerve damage, you should stop taking levofloxacin and contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor can provide advice on how to best manage your symptoms. They can also recommend other treatments for your infection.
Central nervous system problems
Levofloxacin is known to cause certain central nervous system (CNS) problems. Your CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord. It communicates with your entire body to carry out functions such as walking, talking, thinking, communicating, and interacting with your environment.
CNS effects from levofloxacin treatment may include:
- psychosis or delusions (false or strange thoughts or beliefs)
- hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t actually real)
- paranoia
- depression
- suicidal thoughts or actions
- feeling agitated, irritated, or anxious
- feeling confused or disoriented
- problems paying attention
- nightmares or trouble sleeping
- seizure
- tremors
- swelling and increased pressure in your head
CNS effects caused by the drug may be permanent in some cases.
Certain factors may further increase your risk of CNS effects, including:
- having an existing mental health condition, such as depression
- having kidney problems
- having epilepsy or already experiencing seizures
- taking other drugs that increase your risk of seizures, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL)
Ways to manage
If you notice any of the above changes in your mood or behavior, you should stop taking levofloxacin and contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor can provide advice on how to best manage your symptoms. They can also discuss how to treat your infection using a treatment other than levofloxacin.
Worsening of myasthenia gravis
Taking levofloxacin can worsen myasthenia gravis (MG) if you already have this condition. With MG, you have weakening of your skeletal muscles.
Specifically, the following have been reported in people with MG who took levofloxacin after it became available for use:
- worsened muscle weakness
- trouble breathing or needing a ventilator to breathe
- death
Ways to manage
Due to this risk, doctors usually won’t prescribe levofloxacin to people with MG. Talk with your doctor to learn more about antibiotics that are safer for you to take instead.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
