Levaquin is the brand name for the generic medication levofloxacin and is available in both oral and intravenous formulations. Levaquin is a fluoroquinolone-type antibiotic that may be used to treat many different types of bacterial infection. Like most antibiotics, Levaquin may cause a number of common side effects, some of which may be confused with more serious adverse reactions.
Gastrointestinal Disturbance
Gastrointestinal upset is one of the most common side effects of most medications, including antibiotics such as Levaquin. Most patients who experience gastrointestinal side effects while using Levaquin will have nausea and diarrhea, but some may experience constipation. Prescribing information for Levaquin indicates that nausea was experienced by up to 7 percent of users, diarrhea by up to 5 percent, constipation by 3 percent and other intestinal complaints by an average of 2 percent of patients treated in a clinical trial. Most of the time, gastrointestinal side effects will go away after the medication is completed; however, serious vomiting or watery, bloody stool should be reported immediately to a physician.
Headache and Dizziness
Headache and dizziness may be common side effects of Levaquin. According to side effect information provided by Drugs.com, up to 6 percent of patients may experience headache and up to 3 percent may experience dizziness after taking Levaquin. More serious changes in central nervous system functioning, such as tremor or changes in consciousness, should be reported immediately to medical personnel.
Anxiety and Insomnia
Anxiety and insomnia are commonly reported side effects of Levaquin and have been seen in clinical studies in up to 4 percent of patients taking the medication. As with most other side effects, anxiety and insomnia will subside after discontinuing the medication, but more serious changes in mental state, such as confusion, hallucination or severe depression, should be reported to a physician.
Skin Irritations
Changes in skin sensations, such as mild itching, may occur with Levaquin use. Some patients may also become more sensitive to sun exposure and should avoid direct sunlight when possible or wear sunscreen when sun exposure is required. Levaquin may also cause vaginal irritation in up to 1 percent of females taking Levaquin while rash was reported in 2 percent of patients studied. In more severe cases, Levaquin may cause damage to nerve tissue, known as neuropathy, which may result in numbness, burning, pain or tingling sensation. Changes in skin sensation or appearance that are persistent or become bothersome should be reported to a physician, as they may indicate neuropathy or a more serious allergic skin condition that may be life-threatening.
Joint Pain
The fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin, have been shown to cause tendonitis in some patients, although this side effect is less common. Symptoms of tendonitis may include joint pain, swelling and loss of movement, particularly in the arms and legs. Some patients may also experience muscle pain, and any inflammation of the muscles or joints should be reported to a physician.
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