Drug interactions
Levofloxacin + Sodium bicarbonate
Severity: Minor
Levofloxacin and Sodium bicarbonate: minor 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
Antacid-type products may reduce levofloxacin absorption, although the effect with sodium bicarbonate is smaller than with aluminum, magnesium or calcium products. Levofloxacin exposure could be lowered in some patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levofloxacin and Sodium bicarbonate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Sodium bicarbonate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Raised gastric pH and possible reduced dissolution or absorption of oral levofloxacin.
What to do
Separate oral levofloxacin from sodium bicarbonate by about 2 hours.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Sodium bicarbonate
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Alendronate + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Amantadine + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Carbonyl iron + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Cefditoren + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Cefpodoxime + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levofloxacin with Sodium bicarbonate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Levofloxacin and Sodium bicarbonate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antacid-type products may reduce levofloxacin absorption, although the effect with sodium bicarbonate is smaller than with aluminum, magnesium or calcium products. Levofloxacin exposure could be lowered in some patients.
How serious is the interaction between Levofloxacin and Sodium bicarbonate?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate oral levofloxacin from sodium bicarbonate by about 2 hours.
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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