.ae0904af.png&w=1080&q=75)
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat pneumonia 2. To treat inflammation in the lungs (bronchitis) 3. To treat inflammation in nose (sinusitis) 4. To treat bacterial infection in throat, ear and nose 5. To treat chronic bacterial prostate inflammation 6. To treat bacterial gastrointestinal infections 7. To treat anthrax |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Diarrhoea |
| Additional Information | Avoid consuming alcohol, tobacco, and cranberries with this medicine. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Levofloxacin Summary
Levofloxacin 500 mg is an oral antibiotic used to treat serious infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis anthrax and plague. It works by killing bacteria through blocking an enzyme needed for their survival. Take it exactly as prescribed, at the same time daily, and don’t stop early, even if you feel better. Avoid grapefruit, alcohol, and tobacco, and let your doctor know if you have kidney issues or are pregnant. Common side effects include diarrhea, while more serious ones can affect your mood, skin, or tendons. Store it at room temperature, away from sunlight and out of children’s reach. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one. Overdose symptoms like severe stomach pain or dizziness need emergency care right away. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Levofloxacin Uses
Levofloxacin 500 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of quinolone antibiotics medicines. It is used to treat following disease:
- Pneumonia
- Inflammation in the lungs (bronchitis)
- Sinusitis
- Bacterial infection in throat, ear and nose
- Chronic bacterial prostate inflammation
- Bacterial gastrointestinal infections
- Anthrax
Directions for use
- Take levofloxacin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking levofloxacin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Levofloxacin side effects
More Common
- Diarrhea
Less Common
- Agitation
- Blisters
- Confusion
- Diarrhea (watery and severe) which may also be bloody
- Feeling that others can hear your thoughts or control your behavior
- Fever
- Pain, inflammation, or swelling in the calves of the legs, shoulders, or hands
- Redness and swelling of the skin
- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- Sensation of burning on the skin
- Severe mood or mental changes
- Stomach cramps or pain (severe)
- Skin rash, itching, or redness
- Trembling
- Unusual behaviour
How Levofloxacin works
Levofloxacin belongs to the bactericidal category of antibiotics, meaning it kills bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth. It does this by preventing the formation of the bacterial cell wall, also known as the skin of the bacteria. This is achieved by inhibiting the production of DNA gyrase, an enzyme essential for bacterial cell wall formation.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 Kidney Dysfunction
Patients with kidney dysfunction require a 50% dose reduction of this medication. Therefore, if you have kidney dysfunction, inform your doctor so they can either reduce the dose or consider an alternative medication.
📌 Pregnancy
Levofloxacin should be prescribed during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Levofloxacin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking levofloxacin 500 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Levofloxacin Interaction with Food Product
You should not consume alcohol and tobacco with this medication as they can increase or decrease the effect of levofloxacin.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Levofloxacin Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
(S)-9-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take levofloxacin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
The symptoms of levofloxacin overdose include severe stomach pain, watery stools that may contain blood, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If you know someone who is taking this medication and experiences any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention and take them to the hospital without delay.
📌 FAQ’s
Yes, levofloxacin is used to treat UTIs. However, the dosage should be taken strictly as directed by a physician, as they will determine the appropriate dose based on the severity of the disease to ensure effective and immediate relief.
📌 Can levofloxacin be used for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
Yes, levofloxacin is used to treat UTIs. However, the dosage should be taken strictly as directed by a physician, as they will determine the appropriate dose based on the severity of the disease to ensure effective and immediate relief.
📌 Levofloxacin belongs to which group of drugs?
Levofloxacin is a bactericidal antibiotic that belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of drugs. It is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
📌 Can levofloxacin treat typhoid?
Yes, levofloxacin is used to treat typhoid and has proven effective against Salmonella Typhi. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication, ultimately killing the bacteria.
Reference
- Podder V, Patel P, Sadiq NM. Levofloxacin. [Updated 2024 Mar 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Levofloxacin (oral route) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2025 Jun 2]. Available from.
- AHMAD M, Bashir B, AKHTAR MS, Irfan M, ADIL MA, Hashmi ZY. TYPHOID FEVER: CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH LEVOFLOXACIN, ITS EFFICACY AND SAFETY. The Professional Medical Journal. 2007 Oct 12;14(04):620-6. Available from.
