Drug interactions
Levofloxacin + Methylprednisolone
Severity: Major
Levofloxacin and Methylprednisolone: major 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
Fluoroquinolones and systemic corticosteroids each increase the risk of tendinopathy, and together the risk of tendon inflammation and rupture, especially of the Achilles tendon, is higher. Older patients and transplant recipients are most vulnerable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levofloxacin and Methylprednisolone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive tendon toxicity: fluoroquinolone effects on tenocytes and collagen combined with corticosteroid inhibition of collagen synthesis.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic is suitable, especially in patients over 60. If used, stop the fluoroquinolone at the first sign of tendon pain and rest the limb.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
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 Levofloxacin with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levofloxacin and Methylprednisolone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Fluoroquinolones and systemic corticosteroids each increase the risk of tendinopathy, and together the risk of tendon inflammation and rupture, especially of the Achilles tendon, is higher. Older patients and transplant recipients are most vulnerable.
How serious is the interaction between Levofloxacin and Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic is suitable, especially in patients over 60. If used, stop the fluoroquinolone at the first sign of tendon pain and rest the limb.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Methylprednisolone page.
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