Levofloxacin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic available as tablets, injections and eye drops. Because fluoroquinolones can cause rare but serious side effects, doctors usually keep them for infections where other antibiotics are not suitable.
What is Levofloxacin used for?
- Pneumonia and other chest infections
- Complicated urinary tract and kidney infections
- Prostate infections
- Sinus infections when other antibiotics cannot be used
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Eye drops: bacterial eye infections
Common side effects of Levofloxacin
Not everyone gets side effects. Those reported more often include:
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness or difficulty sleeping
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
Stop taking it and contact a doctor straight away if you get tendon pain or swelling (especially at the back of the heel), tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, a fast or irregular heartbeat, severe diarrhoea, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Precautions before using Levofloxacin
- It is not usually used in children and teenagers, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are over 60, or have epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, heart rhythm problems, diabetes or kidney disease.
- Antacids and iron, zinc or calcium supplements reduce how well it is absorbed, so take them a few hours apart.
- Avoid strong sunlight during treatment.
- It can change blood sugar levels, especially in people taking diabetes medicines.
Frequently asked questions about Levofloxacin
Can levofloxacin be taken with milk or antacids?
Antacids and supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc reduce absorption. Take levofloxacin a few hours apart from them, as advised on the pack or by your pharmacist.
Levofloxacin brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 310+ products containing Levofloxacin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order with cash on delivery.
