Levofloxacin 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H1)
Common uses: Chest infections – pneumonia, flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis; Urinary tract and kidney infections, and prostate infection.
Listed MRPs range from ₹3.09 to ₹9.67 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levofloxacin Tablets IP 500mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹30.94 | ₹3.09 | 19 October 2026 |
| Leon 500 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹93.95 | ₹9.39 | 19 October 2026 |
| Levoday 500 | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹96.03 | ₹9.60 | 19 October 2026 |
| Glevo 500 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹96.08 | ₹9.61 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lovolkem 500 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹96.08 | ₹9.61 | 19 October 2026 |
| L-Cin 500 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹96.60 | ₹9.66 | 19 October 2026 |
| Levomac 500 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹96.64 | ₹9.66 | 19 October 2026 |
| Levoflox 500 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹96.68 | ₹9.67 | 19 October 2026 |
| Loxof 500 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹96.65 | ₹9.67 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Chest infections – pneumonia, flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis.
- Urinary tract and kidney infections, and prostate infection.
- Skin and soft tissue infections.
- Part of treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis, under a TB specialist.
- Typhoid and some travellers' diarrhoea, as decided by a doctor.
How to take it
Take one 500 mg tablet once a day, or exactly as prescribed, with or without food and a full glass of water. Drink plenty of fluids. Keep it at least 2 hours away from antacids, iron, zinc or multivitamin tablets. Finish the full course even if you feel better; the length depends on the infection. Stop and see a doctor immediately if you get tendon pain or swelling, tingling or numbness, palpitations, fainting, severe diarrhoea, confusion or a rash. Avoid strong sun and do not drive until you know how it affects you. Levofloxacin is a Schedule H1 antibiotic – the chemist must record your prescription.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pain.
- Constipation or heartburn.
- Headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping.
- Vaginal itching or discharge.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Tendon pain, swelling or rupture (often the Achilles), even months later – higher risk over 60, with steroids or kidney disease.
- Nerve damage – numbness, tingling, burning or weakness that may be lasting.
- Seizures, confusion, hallucinations, severe depression; worsening of myasthenia gravis.
- Irregular heartbeat, fainting, blood sugar swings, severe or bloody diarrhoea, or a blistering rash.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol during the course; it worsens dizziness and stomach upset and can mask warning symptoms.
Pregnancy
Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a doctor decides there is no safer option.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease – the dose is usually reduced, and tendon and nerve side effects are more likely.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; liver tests may be checked.
Children
Not for children under 18 except in special situations decided by a specialist, because it can damage growing joints and tendons.
Missed dose
Take it if there are at least 8 hours before the next dose; otherwise skip it. Never take a double dose.
Interactions
- Antacids (Gelusil, Digene), iron, zinc, calcium and multivitamins, sucralfate – take levofloxacin 2 hours before or after.
- Steroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone) – tendon rupture risk rises sharply.
- NSAID painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac) – more risk of seizures; ask your doctor.
- Diabetes medicines (glimepiride, insulin) – blood sugar may go very low or high; check more often.
- Medicines affecting heart rhythm (amiodarone, azithromycin, some antipsychotics and antidepressants) – tell your doctor, especially if you have a slow heartbeat or low potassium.
- Warfarin – bleeding risk may change.
Frequently asked questions
What is Levoflox 500 used for?
It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic for pneumonia and other chest infections, sinusitis, urinary and prostate infections, skin infections and, under specialists, drug-resistant TB. It does not work for viral fevers.
Levoflox 500 before or after food?
Either, once a day with a full glass of water. Keep it 2 hours away from antacids, iron, zinc or multivitamin tablets, which block absorption.
Can I take Levoflox 500 with alcohol?
Avoid alcohol during the course; it adds to dizziness and stomach upset and can hide early side effects.
Levoflox 500 vs Levoflox 750 – what is the difference?
Both are levofloxacin; 750 mg is a higher once-daily dose used for some severe infections. Your doctor chooses the strength and length based on the infection and your kidney function.
Why is Levoflox 500 a Schedule H1 drug?
Levofloxacin is listed under Schedule H1 in India to curb antibiotic misuse. The chemist must keep a record of your prescription and cannot sell it without one.
Is Glevo 500 safe in pregnancy?
No, it is generally avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your doctor so a safer antibiotic can be prescribed.
What are the warning signs to stop levofloxacin?
Pain or swelling in a tendon, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, palpitations, fainting, confusion, severe diarrhoea or a blistering rash. Stop and see a doctor straight away.
Can Levoflox 500 be given to children?
Not routinely under 18, because fluoroquinolones can harm growing joints and tendons. Only a specialist should prescribe it for a child.
Can I take Levoflox 500 with my diabetes tablets?
Yes, but levofloxacin can push blood sugar unusually low or high. Check your sugar more often and tell your doctor if you get shakiness, sweating or confusion.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Levofloxacin (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms