Drug interactions
Levofloxacin + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Levofloxacin and Lithium: 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
Lithium has been associated with QT prolongation and ECG changes, and levofloxacin can also prolong the QT interval. Together they may increase the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly with raised lithium levels or electrolyte disturbance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levofloxacin and Lithium 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.
Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization, with lithium's contribution mainly in toxicity or at higher concentrations.
What to do
Monitor ECG and serum lithium and electrolytes in patients with cardiac risk factors. Consider an alternative antibiotic if QTc becomes prolonged.
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
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levofloxacin with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Levofloxacin and Lithium 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. Lithium has been associated with QT prolongation and ECG changes, and levofloxacin can also prolong the QT interval. Together they may increase the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly with raised lithium levels or electrolyte disturbance.
How serious is the interaction between Levofloxacin and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and serum lithium and electrolytes in patients with cardiac risk factors. Consider an alternative antibiotic if QTc becomes prolonged.
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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