Levofloxacin

Antibiotic (fluoroquinolone)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Levofloxacin is a antibiotic (fluoroquinolone) found in 15 medicines sold in India, such as Glevo 500, Levoflox 500, Glevo 750. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats pneumonia, sinus and urine infections.

How it works

A fluoroquinolone antibiotic for pneumonia, sinusitis, urinary and prostate infections.

How to take it

Usually 250 to 750 mg once a day. Drink plenty of fluids. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping

Get medical help straight away if

  • Tendon pain or swelling, especially the heel (stop and rest)
  • Tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet
  • Mood changes or confusion
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Palpitations

Be careful

Can rarely damage tendons and nerves; avoid antacids at the same time.

Other medicines and interactions

Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk taken at the same time block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Raises tendon risk with steroids. Can affect warfarin, diabetes medicines (blood sugar swings) and heart rhythm medicines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless no other antibiotic will work.

Brands of Levofloxacin (15)

Alevo 500Fynal 500Glevo 500Glevo 750L Cin 500Leon 500Levobact-500Levoday 500Levoflox 500Levomac 500Levoquin 500Levotas 500Loxof 500Lquin 500Superquin 500

Common questions

What is Levofloxacin used for?

Treats pneumonia, sinus and urine infections.

How does Levofloxacin work?

A fluoroquinolone antibiotic for pneumonia, sinusitis, urinary and prostate infections.

How should I take Levofloxacin?

Usually 250 to 750 mg once a day. Drink plenty of fluids. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

What are the side effects of Levofloxacin?

Common: Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, trouble sleeping. Get help straight away for: Tendon pain or swelling, especially the heel (stop and rest), tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet, mood changes or confusion, severe diarrhoea, palpitations.

Does Levofloxacin interact with other medicines?

Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk taken at the same time block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Raises tendon risk with steroids. Can affect warfarin, diabetes medicines (blood sugar swings) and heart rhythm medicines.

Is Levofloxacin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless no other antibiotic will work.

Does Levofloxacin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Levofloxacin?

Alevo 500, Fynal 500, Glevo 500, Glevo 750, L Cin 500, Leon 500, Levobact-500, Levoday 500, Levoflox 500, Levomac 500, Levoquin 500, Levotas 500, Loxof 500, Lquin 500, Superquin 500.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.