Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for a range of bacterial infections — pneumonia, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, and some skin infections. It kills bacteria by blocking enzymes they need to copy DNA. That makes it powerful, but it also means it’s not a first-line choice for mild infections.
Ask: do you really need a fluoroquinolone? Doctors usually reserve levofloxacin for cases when safer antibiotics won’t work or the infection is serious. If you have a simple bladder infection or strep throat, there are often better options.
Take levofloxacin exactly as prescribed. It’s usually one dose a day, at the same time. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Food doesn’t stop it from working, but iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminum (antacids), and multivitamins can bind the drug and make it less effective. Take levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after those products.
Finish the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can let bacteria survive and become resistant. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose—don’t double up.
Tendon pain or rupture is the best-known risk. If you get sudden calf or shoulder pain, stop the drug and contact your prescriber right away. Avoid heavy exercise while taking it and for a few weeks after. Levofloxacin can also cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), mood changes, dizziness, and, rarely, severe allergic reactions.
It can prolong your heart’s QT interval, so tell your doctor if you take drugs that affect QT (certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, and some antibiotics). It may also interact with warfarin — your blood clotting test (INR) might need closer monitoring.
Avoid in pregnancy and growing children unless there’s no alternative. Fluoroquinolones can affect developing cartilage. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may lower the dose or stretch the time between doses because the drug is cleared by the kidneys.
Watch for signs of severe side effects: high fever with tendon pain, numbness or tingling in hands/feet, sudden mood or behavior changes, severe diarrhea (which could signal C. difficile), or any signs of allergic reaction like rash, swelling, or breathing trouble. Seek immediate care if these happen.
Antibiotic resistance is real. Use antibiotics only when prescribed for a confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection. If symptoms aren’t improving within 48–72 hours, call your doctor — you may need a different drug or further testing.
If you’re buying medication online, choose a licensed pharmacy and avoid sites that don’t require a prescription. Keep a list of your current meds and health conditions handy when you talk to your clinician. That helps avoid dangerous interactions and keeps treatment safe and effective.
Looking for alternatives to ciprofloxacin? This article compares the top 7 options, giving you the pros and cons of each. You'll see how antibiotics like levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, amoxicillin, and others stack up. Learn which drugs are better for UTIs, which come with fewer side effects, and what to ask your doctor. Whether you're dealing with resistance or just want safer choices, this guide gives you practical information you can actually use.