Combining Levofloxacin and Alcohol? Here’s What You Need to Keep In Mind

Mixing Levofloxacin and alcohol may not be lethal but can lead to seriously harmful side effects. 

Levofloxacin, a quinolone antibiotic, is prescribed to combat bacterial infections. 

It’s used for conditions such as skin, prostate, kidney, and Pneumonia. 

In this article, we’ll explore the safety of alcohol consumption while on Levofloxacin, its potential reactions, and Levofloxacin’s side effects.

Is it safe to have alcohol while taking Levofloxacin

Generally, doctors advise against combining Levofloxacin and alcohol. 

While Levofloxacin itself may not directly harm you, the interaction with alcohol can prolong the resolution of a bacterial infection.

Moreover, this combination can lead to serious consequences. 

Initially, it may not cause life-threatening symptoms, but it could result in severe complications down the road. 

If you mix Levofloxacin and alcohol, it may lead to dangerous agitation, confusion, and disorientation. 

Therefore, it’s crucial to refrain from such activities.

Recent studies indicate that metabolizing alcohol weakens the immune system. 

Consequently, if you’re dealing with an infection, excessive alcohol consumption can hinder your body’s ability to combat it effectively.

Both binge and heavy drinking have been linked to impaired immune systems, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Understanding Levofloxacin and alcohol interaction

Drinking alcohol daily can overwhelm your liver, which is crucial because your liver processes medications like Levofloxacin. 

If your liver is busy with alcohol, it might not handle the medication properly. 

This can potentially harm your liver, depending on how much alcohol you consume and the specific antibiotic you’re taking.

Both alcohol and Levofloxacin can cause similar side effects, like drowsiness, dizziness, and stomach troubles. 

When you take them together, these side effects can get worse. 

If you drink alcohol in moderation, it may not stop Levofloxacin from treating your infection, but it can make it take longer to work and may reduce your energy.

Let’s look at Levofloxacin and alcohol’s negative interactions

Mixing Levofloxacin and alcohol may not always lead to immediate problems, but it’s important to know that alcohol can strengthen Levofloxacin’s side effects. 

There’s a chance of serious side effects, and that’s why doctors usually advise against combining Levofloxacin and alcohol.

What are the side effects of Levofloxacin?

Levofloxacin, an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class, has multiple potential side effects, ranging from mild to serious. 

Here is a list of some of these side effects: 

Common side effects

• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Trouble sleeping

Severe side effects

• Mental/Mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations) 
• Liver issues (such as unusual tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin)
• Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, bloody or pink urine) 
• Bruising/bleeding easily
• Signs of a new infection (such as new/persistent fever, persistent sore throat) 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Seizures 

Rare but very serious side effects

• Severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat 
• Rarely, this medication may lead to serious, potentially permanent, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy) 
• Tendonitis/Tendon rupture Please remember this list is not exhaustive 

Should you experience any serious side effects or reactions listed or not listed, seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Mixing Levofloxacin, a quinolone antibiotic, with alcohol can have serious consequences. 

Doctors generally advise against this combination due to safety concerns and the potential for prolonged resolution of bacterial infections. 

Alcohol weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to combat infections effectively. 

Daily alcohol consumption can also overwhelm your liver, potentially interfering with Levofloxacin’s effectiveness and harming your liver. 

It’s crucial to listen to the medical advice and refrain from combining Levofloxacin and alcohol to ensure effective treatment and avoid potential complications. 

If you experience side effects or reactions, seek immediate medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

• my.clevelandclinic.org
• medlineplus.gov
• mayoclinic.org