Levoquin: what it treats and who should consider it

Levoquin (generic: levofloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic doctors use for certain bacterial infections. You’ll see it prescribed for pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, some sinus and skin infections, and bronchitis when other drugs don’t work. It’s powerful, but not always the first choice. Knowing when it helps and when it can hurt makes a big difference.

How Levoquin is usually taken

Levoquin comes as a pill, an oral solution, or an IV. Typical oral dosing ranges from 250 mg to 750 mg once daily depending on the infection and kidney function. Take it exactly as your prescriber says — finish the full course even if you feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one. Don’t double up.

A few practical rules: avoid taking it at the same time as antacids, multivitamins with iron or zinc, or supplements with calcium. Those bind the drug and cut how much your body absorbs. Space these products at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after Levoquin. Drink water with the pill and try to take it at the same time each day.

Side effects, warnings, and what to watch for

Serious side effects are rare but real. The big ones to watch for are tendon pain or sudden tendon rupture (often the Achilles), nerve problems like numbness or burning (peripheral neuropathy), and changes in heart rhythm (QT prolongation). If you get new sharp tendon pain, tingling, or fainting-like symptoms, stop the medicine and call your doctor right away.

Common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, and headache. If you get severe diarrhea, especially watery or bloody, tell your clinician — that could be C. difficile, which needs quick attention. Levoquin can also make you more sensitive to sunlight; use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Certain people should avoid or use Levoquin cautiously: pregnant people, breastfeeding parents, and children unless there’s no better option. Older adults and anyone with kidney problems or a history of heart rhythm issues may need dose changes or monitoring.

Drug interactions matter. Combining Levoquin with drugs that affect heart rhythm (some antiarrhythmics, certain antipsychotics, macrolide antibiotics) or with high-dose NSAIDs can raise risk of serious effects. Always tell your prescriber about other medicines and supplements.

Want to take it safely? Ask your prescriber why Levoquin was chosen, what exact dose you need, and how long to take it. Don’t buy antibiotics from unverified online sources. If in doubt, call your clinic or pharmacist — they can confirm dosing and check interactions fast.

Need more detail on antibiotic safety or where to buy meds safely online? Check our site guides and reviews to make smarter choices about prescriptions and online pharmacies.