Drug interactions
Levofloxacin + Ofloxacin
Severity: Major
Levofloxacin and Ofloxacin: 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
Both are fluoroquinolones and combining them offers no antimicrobial benefit while duplicating adverse effects, including QT prolongation, tendon injury, CNS effects and dysglycemia. Therapeutic duplication increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levofloxacin and Ofloxacin 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; Ofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Duplicated fluoroquinolone class effects, including additive hERG potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid using two fluoroquinolones concurrently and choose a single agent. Correct the regimen if both were prescribed in error.
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 Ofloxacin
- Ofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ofloxacin Major
- Amiodarone + Ofloxacin Major
- Amisulpride + Ofloxacin Major
- Anagrelide + Ofloxacin Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Ofloxacin 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 Levofloxacin with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levofloxacin and Ofloxacin 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. Both are fluoroquinolones and combining them offers no antimicrobial benefit while duplicating adverse effects, including QT prolongation, tendon injury, CNS effects and dysglycemia. Therapeutic duplication increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Levofloxacin and Ofloxacin?
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 using two fluoroquinolones concurrently and choose a single agent. Correct the regimen if both were prescribed in error.
What other medicines interact with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ofloxacin with, for example, Thioridazine, Adagrasib, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Ofloxacin page.
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