# Levofloxacin in Nigeria

Levofloxacin has 35 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 32 registration holders; 41 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/levofloxacin/
- Drug class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (Antibiotics)
- Also known as: Levofloxacin hemihydrate, Levoflox, Tavanic
- Prescription required: yes
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Levofloxacin sells for about ₦4,100 online in Nigeria (₦3,600–₦5,250) (Levoxin) at MedPlus. The online price is roughly unchanged since August 2026. That figure is for Levoxin; 35 other levofloxacin brands are NAFDAC-registered and generic versions usually cost less. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Levofloxacin?

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic — the same family as ciprofloxacin — but with a broader reach against the bacteria that cause pneumonia, which is why it is sometimes called a 'respiratory quinolone'. It works by blocking the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which bacteria need to copy their DNA. Without them, the bacteria cannot multiply and die. Levofloxacin is well absorbed as a tablet and reaches high levels in the lungs, urine and prostate.

In Nigeria levofloxacin is commonly available as 250mg, 500mg and 750mg tablets, and as an intravenous infusion for hospital use. It is generally reserved for infections where first-line antibiotics are unsuitable or have failed — serious chest infections, complicated urinary and kidney infections, stubborn sinusitis — and it has an important specialist role in treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Our copy of the NAFDAC register lists dozens of active levofloxacin registrations, most of them imported.

Like all fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin carries serious safety warnings that make it a considered choice rather than a casual one. Regulators worldwide (including the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency) advise that fluoroquinolones should not be used for minor infections that other antibiotics can treat, because of the risk of lasting damage to tendons, nerves and the nervous system. It is a WHO 'Watch' antibiotic and should only be taken on prescription after a proper assessment.

## What is Levofloxacin used for?

- Community-acquired pneumonia, including cases needing broad cover
- Acute worsening of chronic bronchitis and other serious chest infections
- Complicated urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Acute bacterial sinusitis unresponsive to first-line treatment
- Skin and soft tissue infections in specific situations
- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, as one component of a specialist regimen

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: Levofloxacin is usually taken once daily, an advantage over twice-daily ciprofloxacin. Typical adult doses are 500mg once daily for 7 to 14 days for pneumonia and complicated urinary infections, and 750mg once daily for shorter courses in more severe infections. The exact dose and duration depend on the infection and are set by the prescriber. Swallow with plenty of water, and take it at least 2 hours apart from antacids, iron, calcium or zinc.
- Children: Levofloxacin is not routinely used in children because fluoroquinolones can affect growing cartilage and joints. It is reserved for specific, serious situations — such as certain resistant infections or drug-resistant tuberculosis — under specialist supervision, where the benefit outweighs the risk. The dose in those cases is set by a paediatric specialist.
- Elderly: Older adults are at higher risk of levofloxacin's serious effects, particularly tendon rupture (especially if also taking steroids) and heart-rhythm disturbance. Doses are reduced when kidney function is impaired, which is common with age. Close attention to tendon pain and any palpitations is important.

Do not take levofloxacin within 2 hours of antacids, iron or calcium/zinc supplements, or dairy taken as a supplement — these bind the drug and cut its absorption. Stay well hydrated. Avoid strenuous exercise during and shortly after the course because of the tendon risk, and limit strong sun exposure as the skin becomes more sun-sensitive. Complete the course.

## Side effects

Common: Nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort; Headache and dizziness; Difficulty sleeping; Skin rash and increased sensitivity to sunlight; Altered taste.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Tendon inflammation and rupture — especially the Achilles tendon; risk is higher over 60, with steroid use, and after organ transplant; Peripheral neuropathy — numbness, tingling or burning in the hands and feet that can be permanent; Central nervous system effects — seizures, confusion, hallucinations, severe anxiety or depression; QT prolongation — a heart-rhythm change that can be dangerous, particularly with other QT-prolonging drugs; Low blood sugar (and, less often, high blood sugar), especially in people with diabetes on treatment; Aortic aneurysm or dissection — rare but serious; risk higher in older people and those with vascular disease; Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea.

When to see a doctor: Stop levofloxacin and seek medical care immediately for tendon pain or swelling (especially around the heel), numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, palpitations or fainting, severe mood changes or confusion, symptoms of very low blood sugar (sweating, shakiness, confusion), or a severe allergic reaction. Tendon and nerve damage can persist after stopping — do not 'push through' these symptoms.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Known allergy to levofloxacin or any fluoroquinolone; History of tendon disorders associated with fluoroquinolone use; Epilepsy or a lowered seizure threshold (use only if unavoidable and supervised); Children and adolescents, and pregnancy/breastfeeding, except in specific specialist situations; Known long-QT syndrome or significant uncorrected electrolyte disturbance.

Interactions: Antacids, iron, calcium, zinc and sucralfate — markedly reduce absorption; separate by at least 2 hours; Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone) — greatly increase the risk of tendon rupture; Warfarin — enhanced anticoagulant effect; monitor INR; Other QT-prolonging drugs (some antipsychotics, antimalarials, antiarrhythmics) — additive heart-rhythm risk; Diabetes medicines (insulin, sulfonylureas) — risk of disturbed blood sugar; monitor closely; NSAIDs — may increase the risk of central nervous system stimulation and seizures.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Levofloxacin is generally avoided in pregnancy because fluoroquinolones may affect the developing baby's cartilage; safer alternatives are used unless the infection is life-threatening and no option exists. It passes into breast milk and is usually avoided while breastfeeding. In both cases the decision rests with a doctor weighing the specific risks.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Levoxin 500 (Evans Therapeutics Limited, made in India); Levoxin 750 (Evans Therapeutics Limited, made in India); L-Flox 500 Infusion (New Heights Pharmaceuticals Ltd, made in India); Biopharma Levofloxacin (Biopharma Nigeria Limited, made in India); S-Flox (Kayhelt Pharma Limited, made in Pakistan); Tavanic (Sanofi-Aventis, made in France).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/levofloxacin/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack — for example, Levoxin 500 (Evans Therapeutics) carries A4-100170 in our copy of the register.
2. Verify any levofloxacin brand's number with our NAFDAC checker before paying.
3. Buy from a registered pharmacy rather than an open market, and inspect the batch number, expiry date and print quality.
4. Because levofloxacin is a serious antibiotic, be wary of buying it casually over the counter without a prescription — misuse carries real, sometimes permanent, risks.
5. Watch NAFDAC alerts for counterfeit antibiotic batches and check the register if a price looks too low.

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### What is the difference between levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin?

Both are fluoroquinolone antibiotics, but levofloxacin has stronger activity against the bacteria that cause pneumonia and is usually taken once a day, while ciprofloxacin is taken twice daily and is a mainstay for typhoid and urinary infections in Nigeria. Levofloxacin is more often chosen for serious chest infections. Both carry the same class warnings about tendons, nerves and heart rhythm, so neither should be used for minor infections. A doctor decides which fits your infection.

### Is levofloxacin a strong antibiotic?

Yes — it is a broad, potent 'respiratory' fluoroquinolone usually reserved for infections where simpler antibiotics are unsuitable or have failed, such as pneumonia, complicated urinary infections and drug-resistant tuberculosis. Its strength is also why it should be used sparingly: over-use drives resistance, and the drug carries serious risks of tendon, nerve and heart-rhythm problems. It is not a first-choice antibiotic for everyday infections.

### Can levofloxacin damage my tendons?

Yes. Like all fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin can cause tendon inflammation and even rupture, most often of the Achilles tendon at the heel. The risk is higher if you are over 60, take corticosteroids such as prednisolone, or have had a kidney or heart transplant. If you feel pain, swelling or stiffness in a tendon, stop the medicine and see a doctor straight away, and avoid vigorous exercise during treatment.

### Can I take levofloxacin with milk or antacids?

Not at the same time. Calcium in milk and dairy, and the aluminium, magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc in antacids and supplements, bind levofloxacin in the gut and can sharply reduce how much your body absorbs — making the antibiotic less effective. Take levofloxacin at least 2 hours before, or well after, these products, and swallow it with plenty of plain water.

### Is levofloxacin used for typhoid?

It can be, but ciprofloxacin, cefixime, azithromycin and ceftriaxone are the more usual choices for typhoid in Nigeria. Levofloxacin might be considered in specific resistant cases under medical guidance. As with any suspected typhoid, treatment should follow proper testing (ideally a blood culture) rather than guesswork, because not every fever is typhoid and unnecessary fluoroquinolone use carries real risks.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)