Drug interactions
Bcg vaccine live + Levofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Bcg vaccine live and Levofloxacin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Live BCG vaccine contains viable bacteria that must replicate to produce an immune response. Systemic antibacterial therapy with a drug active against the organism may suppress it and reduce vaccine effectiveness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bcg vaccine live and Levofloxacin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Antibacterial activity of the fluoroquinolone may inhibit replication of the live attenuated bacteria, impairing immunization.
What to do
Delay BCG vaccination until the antibiotic course is finished, or revaccinate later if it was given during therapy. Mycobacterial susceptibility to fluoroquinolones is variable, so the practical effect is uncertain.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bcg vaccine live with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bcg vaccine live and Levofloxacin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Live BCG vaccine contains viable bacteria that must replicate to produce an immune response. Systemic antibacterial therapy with a drug active against the organism may suppress it and reduce vaccine effectiveness.
How serious is the interaction between Bcg vaccine live and Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Delay BCG vaccination until the antibiotic course is finished, or revaccinate later if it was given during therapy. Mycobacterial susceptibility to fluoroquinolones is variable, so the practical effect is uncertain.
What other medicines interact with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Levofloxacin with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Levofloxacin page.
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