Antibiotics & You
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Fluoroquinolones

Levofloxacin

Some chest infections when other antibiotics are unsuitableComplicated urine or prostate infections
Start a diary for this antibiotic

Information follows NICE antimicrobial prescribing guidance and the BNF.

Common side effects

  • Feeling sick
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping

How often each one happens varies by medicine and product, so check your leaflet. Many are mild, but ask your pharmacist or doctor if they are troublesome or do not settle.

Less common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Sensitivity to sunlight

Get medical help straight away if you notice

  • Tendon pain or swelling (especially the Achilles), or muscle weakness: stop the medicine and contact your doctor straight away
  • Numbness, tingling or burning in the limbs: stop the medicine and contact your doctor straight away
  • New low mood, confusion, anxiety, sleep or memory problems, or thoughts of self harm: stop the medicine and contact your doctor straight away (call 999 if you are in immediate danger)
  • Sudden severe chest, stomach or back pain (rare blood vessel problem) — call 999

Read the MHRA safety advice on fluoroquinolones.

Taking it safely

  • Only used when other antibiotics are unsuitable. The MHRA (UK medicines regulator) has issued safety alerts about rare, disabling and possibly long lasting side effects.
  • Read the patient alert card given with your medicine.

Report a side effect

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.