Levofloxacin

Pronounced lee-vo-FLOX-ah-sin

Brand names: Levaquin

Type: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

What Levofloxacin is used for

  • Pneumonia
  • Urinary tract and prostate infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Skin infections

◆ Kidney note

Dose is lowered when kidney function is reduced.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dizziness

Important cautions

  • Can cause serious side effects including tendon rupture, nerve damage, and effects on mood and blood sugar — it is reserved for infections where alternatives are limited
  • Can affect heart rhythm in susceptible people

How it comes

Tablets, liquid, injection (hospital). This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Toxicity lists: Levofloxacin also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Liver.

Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.