Levofloxacin: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It Safely
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, including urinary tract, lung, sinus, prostate, and skin infections. It does not treat colds, flu, or other viral illnesses. Because it can cause rare but serious side effects, it should be used only when prescribed and when appropriate safer options are not suitable.
Levofloxacin can treat serious bacterial infections, but it is not appropriate for viral illnesses and may rarely affect tendons, nerves, blood sugar, or heart rhythm. Take it exactly as prescribed and discuss your personal risks and other medicines with a doctor or pharmacist.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01MA12
- Generic
- Levofloxacin
- Class
- fluoroquinolone
- Brands
- Levaquin
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 7
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- tendon-rupture, cardiac-qt, central-nervous
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 500mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
levofloxacin is excreted in breast milk - discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
monitor infant for signs of toxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrennot recommended
avoid use in pediatric patients due to risk of arthropathy and tendon damage
not applicable - contraindicated
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyadjust dose based on renal function
use with caution in elderly patients - monitor renal function and for tendon symptoms
regular monitoring of renal function and tendon health
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severedose reduction required
adjust dose based on creatinine clearance - reduce dose by 50% for CrCl 20-49 mL/min
monitor renal function regularly during treatment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment required
no significant dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Black box warning
Safety warnings
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy