Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Levofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Ibuprofen 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
NSAIDs can enhance the seizure-provoking effect of fluoroquinolones. The risk is greatest in patients with epilepsy, prior seizures, renal impairment or other predisposing factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen 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.
Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Fluoroquinolones antagonize GABA-A receptors, and NSAIDs may potentiate this effect.
What to do
Avoid the combination in patients with a seizure history or lowered seizure threshold, and use an alternative analgesic such as paracetamol. Otherwise monitor for CNS excitation and adjust levofloxacin for renal function.
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 Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen 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 Ibuprofen with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ibuprofen 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. NSAIDs can enhance the seizure-provoking effect of fluoroquinolones. The risk is greatest in patients with epilepsy, prior seizures, renal impairment or other predisposing factors.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen 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 a seizure history or lowered seizure threshold, and use an alternative analgesic such as paracetamol. Otherwise monitor for CNS excitation and adjust levofloxacin for renal function.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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