Levofloxacin (eye)

Written by Amber Watson, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Purva Singla, PharmD
Updated on June 29, 2023

The approved uses of levofloxacin differ based on the form your doctor prescribes.

This article describes levofloxacin’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of levofloxacin.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of levofloxacin. To find coupons for levofloxacin liquid solution for injection, see this article.

Boxed warnings

Levofloxacin oral tablet, oral liquid solution, and liquid solution for injection have boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These include risks of:

• serious tendon problems and nerve damage
• central nervous system problems
• worsening myasthenia gravis in people with this condition

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for levofloxacin” section.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as levofloxacin for certain conditions. Approved uses for levofloxacin are described below. These uses differ based on the form of levofloxacin prescribed.

Use for certain bacterial infections, including urinary tract infection (UTI)

Doctors may prescribe levofloxacin oral tablet, oral liquid solution, eye drops, or liquid solution for injection* to treat certain bacterial infections. Levofloxacin is usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Specifically, levofloxacin oral tablet, oral liquid solution, and liquid solution for injection are used for the following bacterial infections:

• pneumonia and chronic bronchitis in adults
• skin infections in adults
• urinary tract infection (UTI), including sudden kidney infection, in adults
• prostate infection in adults
• sinus infection in adults
• sudden worsening of chronic (long-term) bronchitis in adults
• plague in adults and children ages 6 months and older
• exposure to inhaled anthrax in adults and children ages 6 months and older

Levofloxacin eye drops are used to treat pink eye caused by certain bacteria. The drug is used for this purpose in adults and children ages 1 year and older.

With bacterial infections, bacteria multiply in your body and cause an infection. Symptoms can vary depending on the kind of infection you have. A few examples of symptoms include fatigue (low energy), fever, chills, and body aches.

* Levofloxacin liquid solution may be given as an intravenous (IV) injection or infusion. With an IV injection, the drug is quickly injected into a vein. With an IV infusion, a drug is slowly injected into a vein over time.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about levofloxacin.

Can I take levofloxacin for 3 days for a UTI?

Yes, if your doctor advises it. The manufacturer of levofloxacin recommends a 3-day treatment option for a certain kind of urinary tract infection (UTI).

If your doctor prescribes levofloxacin for a UTI, they’ll talk with you about how to take the drug. They’ll explain how much to take and how long to take it. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Do doctors prescribe a levofloxacin dosage of 750 mg once daily for 5 days?

Yes, your doctor may prescribe 750 milligrams (mg) of levofloxacin for 5 days. The manufacturer of levofloxacin recommends this dosage for a few conditions. Examples include sinus infection, a certain kind of pneumonia, or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Your doctor will tell you how much levofloxacin to take for your condition. They’ll also tell you how long to take it. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendation.

How does levofloxacin work? And how long does it take to start working?

Levofloxacin is a type of drug called a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It works by blocking certain proteins found in the cells of bacteria. Without these proteins, the bacteria cannot grow or survive. As a result, taking levofloxacin will cause the bacteria to die.

How long levofloxacin takes to start working depends on certain factors. These include the bacterial infection you have and the dosage and form of levofloxacin you’re prescribed.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Levofloxacin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of levofloxacin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about levofloxacin’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for levofloxacin listed in the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of levofloxacin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of levofloxacin you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about levofloxacin’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for levofloxacin listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Levofloxacin eye drops’ mild side effects include:

• temporary decrease in vision
• temporary eye pain, burning, or discomfort
• feeling like there’s something in your eye
• eye sensitivity to light
• mild allergic reaction*

Levofloxacin oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for levofloxacin” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of levofloxacin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of levofloxacin you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about levofloxacin’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for levofloxacin listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, levofloxacin’s serious side effects include:

• kidney problems, including sudden kidney failure
• liver problems, including sudden hepatitis (inflammation in the liver)
• severe diarrhea due to Clostridioides difficile infection
• long QT syndrome (a type of irregular heart rhythm)
• very low or high blood sugar
• severe skin sensitivity to the sun
• boxed warning: risk of serious tendon problems*
• boxed warning: risk of nerve damage*
• boxed warning: risk of central nervous system problems*
• boxed warning: risk of worsened myasthenia gravis in people with this condition*
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for levofloxacin” section.

Below, you’ll find information about levofloxacin’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of levofloxacin

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take levofloxacin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for levofloxacin” section below.

Warnings for levofloxacin

Some people should not take levofloxacin, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warnings

Levofloxacin oral tablet, oral liquid solution, and liquid solution for injection have boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These include risks of:

• serious tendon problems and nerve damage
• central nervous system problems
• worsened myasthenia gravis in people with this condition

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of serious tendon problems. With serious tendon problems, you have tearing or swelling of the tendons, also called tendinitis. (Tendons are tissues that attach your bones to your muscles.) Treatment with levofloxacin can increase the risk of tendinitis in people of all ages. This side effect was not reported in studies* of levofloxacin. But it has been reported since the drug became available for use.

Tendinitis can happen within hours or days of starting levofloxacin or even months after ending treatment. Usually, this tendinitis occurs in the Achilles tendon (at the back of the ankle). But it can also happen in the shoulder, hand, bicep area, and thumb. Symptoms may include hearing a pop or snap around your tendon. Or you may have symptoms such as bruising, tenderness, and pain in the affected area.

Certain factors can increase your risk of tendon problems with levofloxacin. Ask your doctor what these factors are and whether they apply to you.

If you experience tendon problems during levofloxacin treatment, tell your doctor right away. But if your symptoms seem severe, seek emergency medical help. Your doctor will likely have you stop taking the drug and can recommend ways to manage your symptoms. They can also prescribe a different treatment for your bacterial infection.

* For details, view levofloxacin’s prescribing information in the “Article resources” section.

Risk of nerve damage. With nerve damage, you may have problems with the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. This side effect was not reported in studies* of levofloxacin but has been reported since it became available for use.

Symptoms may include burning, pain, and tingling in your arms, hands, legs, and feet. In some people, the nerve damage can be permanent, even after treatment has been stopped.

If you experience nerve problems while taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely have you stop taking the drug and can recommend ways to manage your symptoms. Your doctor can also prescribe a different treatment for your bacterial infection.

* For details, view levofloxacin’s prescribing information in the “Article resources” section.

Risk of central nervous system (CNS) problems. With CNS problems, you have problems with the nerves in your brain or spinal cord. This side effect was not reported in studies* of levofloxacin. But it has been reported since the drug became available for use.

Symptoms may include mental health effects, such as:

• delusions (false beliefs)
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
• depression
• suicidal thoughts or actions

You may also have symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and abnormal dreams and nightmares.

Certain factors can increase your risk of CNS problems with levofloxacin. Ask your doctor what these factors are and whether they apply to you.

If you experience CNS problems while taking levofloxacin, tell your doctor right away. But if your symptoms seem severe, seek emergency medical attention. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Your doctor will likely have you stop taking levofloxacin and can recommend ways to manage your symptoms. They can also prescribe a different treatment for your bacterial infection.

* For details, view levofloxacin’s prescribing information in the “Article resources” section.

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.

Risk of worsened myasthenia gravis (MG) in people with the condition. With MG, you have an autoimmune condition that causes your skeletal muscles to weaken. Worsened MG was not reported in studies* of levofloxacin but has been reported since the drug became available for use.

Symptoms of worsened MG may include severe muscle weakness and breathing problems that require the use of a ventilator.

If you have MG, tell your doctor before starting levofloxacin treatment. They’ll likely recommend a different antibiotic for your bacterial infection.

* For details, view levofloxacin’s prescribing information in the “Article resources” section.

Other warnings

Levofloxacin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether levofloxacin is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of levofloxacin you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for levofloxacin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Levofloxacin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to levofloxacin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe levofloxacin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to levofloxacin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of levofloxacin

If you take levofloxacin by mouth, you should not take more than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much levofloxacin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and levofloxacin

Information about levofloxacin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Levofloxacin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether levofloxacin should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Levofloxacin and breastfeeding

Levofloxacin passes into breast milk, so it should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

If you must take levofloxacin, your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during your treatment and for at least 2 days after your last dose.

This article describes levofloxacin’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about levofloxacin or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Can you prescribe levofloxacin to treat a throat infection?
• What protective measures should I use to help reduce skin sensitivity to the sun while taking levofloxacin?
• Do I have any health conditions that increase my risk of side effects with levofloxacin?

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Levofloxacin injection, solution, concentrate for intravenous use. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/1a822c3e-4ec9-42b8-ac92-87f3948a9d21/spl-doc
• Levofloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5%. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f79d2ae4-ccfb-49ca-bf0e-e505f3477d30/spl-doc
• Levofloxacin oral solution. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c6c7322b-6a89-4d23-90d1-bf9327bd6d91/spl-doc
• Levofloxacin tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5f1893a6-34d7-428a-b921-6b33e05f42ad/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.