Levofloxacin/ Levaquin Side Effects

Levaquin and levofloxacin are prescription antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections. They can also be used to slow anthrax after a person is exposed to it. Levaquin is a prescription drug manufactured by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals; levofloxacin is how it is known generically. The drugs belong to a class of drugs called "quinolone antibiotics," and they are typically used to treat infections that affect the skin, sinuses, ears, bones, joints and airways. It is also prescribed for people with urinary tract infections or prostatitis that does not respond to other antibiotics. Levaquin and Levofloxacin work by killing the bacteria causing an infection.

Non-Serious Side Effects

• Some people taking Levaquin and levofloxacin will experience side effects including stomach pain, nausea, gas, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, lightheadedness and dizziness. None of these is cause for concern.

Serious Side Effects

• In rare cases, people taking Levaquin and levofloxacin may experience serious side effects that signal a potential problem requiring medical treatment. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms: hallucinations; mood or mental changes including anxiety, confusion, agitation, depression, sleeplessness, nervousness and restlessness; new or worsening nightmares; symptoms of nerve problems, including change in the perception of hot or cold, unusual numbness, tingling or burning sensations, weakness in the hands, arms, feet or legs and decreased sensation to touch; suicidal thoughts or actions; tremors; severe or persistent dizziness, weakness, tiredness or lightheadedness;
  vision changes; wheezing; moderate to severe sunburn; chest pain; painful urination or a decrease in urine output; tarry or bloody stools; an unusual cough; fever, chills or sore throat; fast or irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or weakness; seizures; signs of liver problems, including loss of appetite, pale-colored stools, darker than normal urine and jaundice; red, blistered, peeling or swollen skin; severe or persistent diarrhea and stomach pain or cramps; unusual bruising or bleeding; shortness of breath; and vaginal discharge, odor or irritation.

Tendon Problems

• Levaquin and levofloxacin have been associated with an increased risk of tendon problems, especially in patients older than 60 who also take corticosteroids and those who have undergone lung, kidney or heart transplants. Signs of tendon problems that can result from using Levaquin include inflammation, swelling, pain and, in some cases, breakage of tendons. The Achilles tendon most commonly is damaged, but problems can also be experienced in other areas of the body. Patients may notice problems with tendons while taking Levaquin or levofloxacin or up to several months after stopping treatment. If you experience any of the signs of tendon problems, including soreness, redness, swelling or pain of a tendon or joint, tell your doctor immediately.

Warnings

• Levaquin and levofloxacin are not safe for all people, including people with certain types of irregular heartbeats and those taking cisapride or certain antiarrhythmic drugs. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions should discuss their health with their doctor before taking the drugs. These conditions include people with a history of tendon problems, rheumatoid arthritis, liver or kidney problems, decreased kidney function, severe or persistent diarrhea, sensitivity to sun, angina, chest pain, heart problems, low blood potassium levels, stomach infection, brain or nervous system problems, certain muscle conditions, increased pressure in the brain, problems with blood vessels in the brain, a history of seizures and Alzheimer's disease.

Drug Interactions

• Levaquin and levofloxacin are known to interact with several other drugs, causing dangerous interactions or increasing the likelihood of side effects. For example, taking the drugs with arsenic, methadone, antiarrhythmics, cisapride, droperidol, haloperidol, dofetilide, imidazoles, astemizole, macrolides, paliperidone, pimozide, ranolazine, phenothiazines, serotonin receptor antagonists, telithromycin, ziprasidone and terfenadine increases the risk of developing serious heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat. Taking the medications with insulin or oral diabetes drugs can increase the risk of high and low blood sugar levels, and anticoagulants combined with Levaquin and levofloxacin increase the risk of bleeding. People taking the medications with serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have an increased the chance of experience the side effects of Levaquin.