Levaquin 500 Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Approximately 6 to 7 percent of Levaquin users report headaches and nausea, making these the most common side effects of the drug. Insomnia and diarrhea are also common, occurring in at least 4 percent of users. More than 1 percent of patients who take Levaquin experience dizziness, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion and skin rashes.

Levaquin 500 also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying side effects. Neurological and psychological effects of the drug include anxiety, agitation, confusion, depression, nightmares and sleepiness. Some women experience vaginal infections while taking Levaquin 500. It is also possible to experience sweating, flushing and the sensation of being hot while taking the drug.

Certain medications produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with Levaquin 500. For example, Levaquin frequently interferes with the action of anti-diabetic medications, causing dangerous increases in blood sugar levels. The use of Levaquin with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen has the potential to cause seizures. When combined with blood thinners like warfarin, Levaquin 500 increases the risk of experiencing uncontrollable bleeding during surgery or following an injury.

In addition to minor side effects and the risk of adverse drug interactions, Levaquin 500 has the potential to cause serious medical complications. For example, there is a danger of inflammation or tears in your Achilles tendon, rotator cuff, biceps, hands or thumbs. Some patients develop severe allergic reactions to Levaquin 500, including difficult breathing, cardiovascular distress, serious swelling and shock. Infrequently, use of Levaquin results in potentially life-threatening infections of the skin such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Inflammation or damage to your liver is also possible while taking Levaquin as well as sudden kidney failure. Some patients develop severe diarrhea or nerve damage while taking the drug. In rare cases, Levaquin causes hyperkalemia or excessive levels of potassium in the blood, which may result in damage to your heart or cardiovascular system.

Levaquin 500 can cause low birth weights and miscarriage, so avoid taking during pregnancy. Use of Levaquin in children under 18 has the potential to cause diseases of the bones or joints. Tendon ruptures occur most frequently in patients over 65. Doctors also limit the use of the drug in patients who have impaired kidneys because without proper urination, levels of Levaquin can build up in the body and become toxic. If you have a history of liver or brain disease, epilepsy or heart arrhythmia, your doctor is not likely to recommend Levaquin due to its potential side effects. Because it increases sensitivity to the sun in many patients, avoid tanning beds and use adequate sunscreen while taking Levaquin.