Renal Side Effects of Levaquin

Levaquin, or levofloxacin, belongs to a group of drugs called quinolones. It is used to treat nosocomial, or hospital-acquired, and community-acquired pneumonia, complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, complicated and uncomplicated infections of the skin and skin structures, acute pyelonephritits, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and inhalational anthrax. It is known to uncommonly cause renal side effects: abnormal renal function tests, acute renal failure, interstitial nephritits and kidney stones. Kidney stones may be related to the use of many quinolones.

Abnormal Kidney Function Tests

Creatinine and urea nitrogen are by-products of the body's metabolism. When the kidney does not get rid of these waste propducts, they build up in the blood. Levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen may increase in people taking levaquin. Mild increases in these elements may not cause any particular symtpoms. Moderate to higher increases may be associated with fatigue, swelling, back pain and changes in appetite. Even higher increases may be associated with end-stage renal failure. Urine output may be decreased.

These paramaters may resolve after discontinuation of levaquin. Abnormal renal function tests are found in 0.1 to 0.9 percent of patients.

Acute Renal Failure

This side effect is defined as the sudden loss of kidney function resulting in the inability to effectively excrete urea nitrogen and creatinine. Drugs.com reports one case in which a man developed sudden kidney failure after taking levaquin. Acute renal failure may be severe and may occur after multiple doses of the drug. Acute renal failure has occurred in 0.1 to 0.9 percent of patients observed in clinical trials, according to Drugs.com.

Interstitial Nephritis

In this condition, the spaces between the tubules inside the kidney swell or become inflammed. The inflammation often prevents the tubules from functioning normally and results in the collection of symptoms described as acute renal failure. Blood waste, like creatinine and urea nitrogen, accumulate in the blood. Decreased unrine output occurs in about one half of the cases. Interstitial nephritis is commonly seen as an adverse effect of many drugs.

References

• Drugs.com: Levaquin Side Effects
• Drugs.com: Levaquin
• MedlinePlus: Interstitial nephritis