Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Levofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac 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
Concomitant NSAID use with levofloxacin may increase the risk of CNS stimulation and seizures. Patients with epilepsy, prior seizures or renal impairment are most vulnerable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac 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.
Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Fluoroquinolones antagonize GABA-A receptors and NSAIDs may enhance this effect, additively lowering seizure threshold.
What to do
Avoid the combination in patients with seizure disorders. Otherwise monitor for CNS excitation and consider paracetamol instead of the NSAID.
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 Diclofenac
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Diclofenac Major
- Acemetacin + Diclofenac Major
- Alteplase + Diclofenac Major
- Amiloride + Diclofenac Major
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 Diclofenac with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac 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. Concomitant NSAID use with levofloxacin may increase the risk of CNS stimulation and seizures. Patients with epilepsy, prior seizures or renal impairment are most vulnerable.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac 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: Avoid the combination in patients with seizure disorders. Otherwise monitor for CNS excitation and consider paracetamol instead of the NSAID.
What other medicines interact with Diclofenac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diclofenac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Diclofenac page.
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