Levofloxacin side effects

List of side effects
Hypersensitivity Reactions Hepatotoxicity Tendon Disorders Convulsions Neurologic Adverse Effects (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness) Diarrhea Peripheral Neuropathies Prolongation of the QT Interval Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity

Hypersensitivity Reactions
Patients should be informed that Levofloxacin can cause hypersensitivity reactions, even following the first dose. Patients should discontinue the drug at the first sign of a skin rash, hives or other skin reactions, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, any swelling suggesting angioedema (e.g., swelling of the lips, tongue, face, tightness of the throat, hoarseness), or other symptoms of an allergic reaction. Return to top

Hepatotoxicity
Severe hepatotoxicity (including acute hepatitis and fatal events) has been reported in patients taking LEVAQUIN®. Patients should inform their physician and be instructed to discontinue LEVAQUIN® treatment immediately if they experience any signs or symptoms of liver injury including: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, right upper quadrant tenderness, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, light colored bowel movements or dark colored urine. Return to top

Tendon Disorders
Patients should discontinue LEVAQUIN® treatment and inform their physician if they experience pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon, and to rest and refrain from exercise until the diagnosis of tendonitis or tendon rupture has been excluded. The risk of serious tendon disorders is higher in those over 65 years of age, especially those on corticosteroids.Return to top

Convulsions
Convulsions have been reported in patients taking quinolones, including LEVAQUIN®. Patients should notify their physician before taking this drug if they have a history of convulsions. Return to top

Neurologic Adverse Effects (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness)
Patients should know how they react to LEVAQUIN® before they operate an automobile or machinery or engage in other activities requiring. Return to top

Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible. Return to top

Peripheral Neuropathies
If symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness develop, patients should discontinue treatment and contact their physician. Return to top

Prolongation of the QT Interval
Patients should inform their physician of any personal or family history of QT prolongation or proarrhythmic conditions such as hypokalemia, bradycardia, or recent myocardial ischemia; if they are taking any class IA (quinidine, procainamide), or class III (amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. Patients should notify their physicians if they have any symptoms of prolongation of the QT interval, including prolonged heart palpitations or a loss of consciousness. Return to top

Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity
Patients should be advised that photosensitivity/phototoxicity has been reported in patients receiving quinolone antibiotics. Patients should minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while taking quinolones. If patients need to be outdoors when taking quinolones, they should wear loose-fitting clothes that protect skin from sun exposure and discuss other sun protection measures with their physician. If a sunburn like reaction or skin eruption occurs, patients should contact their physician. Return to top