Levaquin® (
levofloxacin) is a prescription antibiotic used for preventing
anthrax infections and treating various types of bacterial infections. As with any medication, potential risks are associated with Levaquin use.
This medicine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking Levaquin were documented and compared to those that occurred in a similar group of people taking a different antibiotic. According to these studies, common side effects of Levaquin may include:
- Nausea -- in up to 7 percent of people
- Headaches -- up to 6 percent
- Diarrhea -- up to 5 percent
- Insomnia -- up to 4 percent
- Dizziness -- up to 3 percent
- Constipation -- up to 3 percent.
In most cases, side effects are minor and do not require medical attention. However, there are other Levaquin risks that you should be aware of before starting treatment. For example, it is important to know that the medication can cause:
- Central nervous system problems
- Liver damage
- Rupture of tendons
- Nerve problems.
These problems are potentially serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider right away.
