Levofloxacin for Sinusitis User Reviews
Brand names: Levaquin
Levofloxacin has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 158 reviews for the treatment of Sinusitis. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 41% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Levofloxacin
- Jen...
- August 27, 2013
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I was very nervous when I was prescribed this medicine due to some other reviews I have read. I have had a sinus infection for the last 5 weeks and didn't clear up with the first round of Amoxicillin. I was given 500 mg of Levaquin for 10 days. I'm on day 9 and the sinus infection is completely gone. It took about 5 days for it to really start working. The only side effects I had were low appetite and trouble sleeping. The trouble sleeping was hard to deal with but I offset it with Unisom, and that seemed to do the trick. I also took the medicine after lunch instead of right before bed. No upset stomach like I normally get with antibiotics. Would definitely use again and recommend."
- Anonymous
- October 18, 2012
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I love Levaquin. No other antibiotic even touches my sinus infections. My head starts to drain within hours of the first pill. Sinus pressure that I didn't even realize I had starts to go away the first day. The dose is generally only 1 pill a day, which makes things easy to remember. Often I will have sinus problems after dental work. I take Levaquin and my sinuses aren't irritated, don't swell and my teeth hurt less. I highly recommend this antibiotic. The only problems I ever experienced were occasional dry mouth and mild diarrhea on the first day."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best antibiotics for pneumonia?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat a sinus infection?
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- What do I need to know about Drug Interactions?
- Buz...
- March 6, 2013
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I was given Levaquin for a persistent sinus infection. By the time I saw the doctor, it was almost two months of sinus problems that were just getting worse. I was put on a 14-day regimen. For me, Levaquin worked. It took about 8 days for the sinus pain to start going away, and another 7-8 days for complete clear-up of the infection (no runny nose, no sinus pain around the eyes, etc.). I heard some people have much quicker turnaround times for getting better, but at least it worked. I had no side effects at all, not even upset stomach, like I get with other antibiotics."
- Sel...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 1, 2020
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "500 mg x 1 a day. I took one pill. I was warned about the black box by my doctor, but I don't even know if that matters at this point. I experienced extreme tendon, joint, and ligament swelling for over 48 hours. That was nothing, though, compared to the nerve pain in my arms and extreme weakness. Three days later, since taking just one, the weakness/electric shocks are now in my legs too. I can't even hold a glass or balance myself properly while walking. Just typing is difficult. My doctor basically told me, 'This could get better, this could get worse, or it could just never change. There's no treatment, and people improve or don't at different rates, from anywhere to weeks to months to years.' TL;DR: Don't take Levaquin, even if you have handled Cipro in the past. It's not worth it unless it's an emergency and life-threatening infection. I now have to just hope I improve."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- R8D...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 27, 2015
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I now rarely get sick, but I've had sinusitis for years due to my allergies. I've found out from my experience with sinus infections that there is no better drug than LEVAQUIN for killing a sinus infection. I just went to the doctor for my ears being clogged for about 4 weeks now, and she said I have fluid behind my eardrums and prescribed me 7 days of Levaquin 500mg. I'm about to start taking it tonight, and in a few days, I'll see results... I've used it a number of times for bad sinus infections, and it never fails to work with no side effects that I can see. Great drug. : )"
- Zsl...
- January 1, 2016
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "Levaquin is my miracle prescription for sinus infections. I usually get 2 really nasty sinus infections a year. Levaquin is the ONLY antibiotic that has worked for me. I have never had any side effects, other than getting well! I always take it exactly as prescribed: 1 per day (for 10 days) with lots of water."
More FAQ
- Kan...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 6, 2018
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "My doctors will try everything but this medication. Every. Single. Time. It gets old. I get prednisone, nasal washes, low-dose antibiotics, all in vain. Currently, I have been suffering for two weeks and, once again, the whole protocol that doesn't work. Finally able to get the Levaquin last night and feel so much better after only one dose. The congestion in my sinuses is finally breaking loose. I have taken this medication for years and, knock on wood, so far, no problems."
- Pol...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 25, 2015
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I was nervous after these reviews, but it works wonders and I had no serious side effects. I was suffering from a sinus infection for weeks, and literally after the first tablet, I felt a bit better, and in a few days, I was completely fine. But of course, I had to take the full course. I did have a few mild side effects. The night I took the first pill, I felt really hot. I had no temperature, but I suppose it's similar to what a hot flash would feel like—maybe it was the meds getting to work. They also gave me horrible nightmares every night—it was weird. Also, they say to take lots of water. Didn't have to tell me twice because I was terribly thirsty and felt 'dried out,' so it made me guzzle water, anyway. However, it worked well soon."
- Lal...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 20, 2016
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I took this after having a sinus infection for four months. Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Zpacks, and steroids—nothing worked. Levaquin made me feel better within days and completely cleared the infection. It did give me a swollen foot and ankle, but that cleared once I finished the antibiotic course. I'd rather wrap my foot for two weeks than have a sinus infection for four months. I don't think this is typically prescribed unless other antibiotics have failed. I'm on it again for another stubborn sinus infection, and there are no tendon issues so far."
- Sid...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 15, 2013
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "This medicine does work very well to clear up the infection. I have taken it and had minimal side effects but other times, like my most recent, I had a lot of side effects: dizzy, insomnia, nerve pain. I have to stop taking it, which is really too bad because no other antibiotic gets rid of a sinus infection faster than this."
- lov...
- September 2, 2009
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "My doctor always prescribes Levaquin for bad sinus infections and congestion because of my many drug allergies. I LOVE Levaquin. Within hours of the first dose, all of the mucus in my head and/or chest starts to make a mass exodus. At times, the volume and swiftness that it drains can choke you -- but this medicine works and it works FAST. It's made me cough so hard I gag, but all of my coughs are super productive, if not overly so. I recommend this to anyone wanting to get better and back in the saddle at warp speed."
- Ski...
- April 6, 2010
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "Have suffered sinus infections for years, particularly in spring and early summer. This is the only antibiotic that really works for me. Initially, the doctors prescribed weaker antibiotics. I have never noticed any side effects whatsoever. Great drug. I have four friends who take it for sinus infections, and they also swear by it. No problems whatsoever."
- pia...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 29, 2016
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I get a really tough sinus infection each October and early spring like clockwork. If I let the infection go too long without going to a physician, I can be in bed with thick phlegm, headache, full head, and extreme fatigue for several weeks. Levaquin is the only medication that gets rid of these infections. Walk-in clinics never prescribe it… so I have to wait to get in with my own GP. In Mexico, you can buy it without a prescription, as I did last year on vacation when I came down with a sinus infection, but hence, as a lot of things in Mexico, was a scam… sugar pills. The only side effect I have ever had was tendon pain - that cleared up relatively soon. This is the go-to for anyone suffering chronic sinus infections."
- Anonymous
- January 13, 2012
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I had been sick for going on a month now. The first round of antibiotics was Amoxicillin 875 for 5 days. It worked up until day 5, and then I had one of the worst rebounds I have experienced in a while. I am only on day 2, and I haven't felt this clear in months. I am a bit paranoid about the tendon and muscle warnings since I play soccer, so I simply won't be doing any strenuous activities for a while. Then again, I tend to freak out when the slightest thing happens to me, so we'll just see. You MUST drink lots of water with this medicine, it will surely dry you out. I was taking this with Allegra D 24 hour, and so far, so good. Hopefully, side effects won't be too bad, if any at all. It does make you really tired though."
- Bst...
- July 13, 2015
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I had pneumonia the month before and was given Biaxin for 10 days. After a month, I started to have horrible sinus pains and was very weak and tired. After chest/sinus X-ray, I was prescribed Levaquin for 10 days x 500 mg. I was concerned about Levaquin due to side effects mentioned online. It was recommended during the Levaquin to drink a ton of water as well as take a probiotic. I took Probaclac 7 twice a day (breakfast/dinner) and the Levaquin at lunchtime. Other than a few minor tendon aches that only lasted a day, I had no other side effects with the medication. Maybe the probiotic/ton of water helped. I felt better after day 4. 100% better now."
- Sha...
- February 10, 2018
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "So many complaints about this I find comical. I just used this medication for sinus infection last week. Used it numerous times before. I still workout on it no issues. You people crying that now you have tendon pain years later have got it bad. Went snowboarding yesterday with kids on my last dose. Must have been a miracle because even though yeah I had diarrhea and didn’t have as much energy I still had a great time. Going to CrossFit after this response. To sum it up I never had issues with this medication. People’s posts are 100% different from my experience."
- Bea...
- September 30, 2016
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "Works well, but I refrain from exercise when taking. It's the only antibiotic strong enough to cure bad sinus infections. Have taken it a couple of times for years with no issues except a little insomnia."
- tan...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 5, 2013
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I took this medication for 6 of the 10 prescribed days and discontinued it on my own due to severe pain all over my body. The pain felt like serious muscle/joint pain, mostly in my elbows, feet, ankles, and shoulders. It has been about a week, and I am still hurting and taking it easy. Forget the gym, that makes it much worse. I am taking pain medication daily (both NSAIDs and other meds), and it seems to help."
- Pif...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 3, 2014
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I'm on day three of this antibiotic. I've taken 6 other antibiotics for sinus infection, bronchitis, and severe ear infections due to an allergic reaction in Dec. I've not experienced too bad of sleep issues since the first night (I already struggle with sleep). Huge loss of appetite and need to increase water consumption. Just began experiencing a lot of drainage that chokes me when I cough. Waiting for the medication to work on my ears because I can't hear at all! Really worried about the muscle issues since I do work out a lot and need to for sanity but am taking time off while on this medication. Hopeful after reading posts that this will help clear out the infection!"
- Dis...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 28, 2017
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "Took for sinus infection in 2009. At the time, I wasn't warned that strenuous activity could cause permanent damage while on this med. I tore a muscle so bad it wouldn't heal. Immediately began getting neuropathy. It progressed and worsened over time. Now... after 8 years, it's finally taken over my body's nervous system and enlarged trunk lines of nerve paths all over my body. Hands are numb, feet are numb, sharp pains all over, torn muscle is now a grizzle and emits sharp, debilitating pain. Polyneuropathy is progressing slowly but surely. Had to stop working because of pain. Taking Lyrica and NSAIDs... doesn't help much. At the end of the road! No cure... doctors say it reminds them of exposure to Agent Orange... DO NOT USE THIS DRUG!"
- Luc...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- March 27, 2015
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I love 'Levaquin.' It's the only antibiotic that cures my sinus infections, and I have been put on everything. Some will start to work and then...nope. I feel my sinuses begin to drain within hours after beginning Levaquin. I started having sinus infections about 20 years ago and had a stroke 2 months after my sinus surgery (the only thing I got from it). The infections are thought to come from allergies to dust mites and dog dander, which are everywhere. I hate, though, when a new doctor doesn't believe in using such a 'strong antibiotic' or that it's necessary. I have failed college courses because of failing to get my 'Levaquin.'"
- Agg...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 12, 2020
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I would rate this a 20-star if it was an option. I have taken Levaquin for pneumonia, kidney infections, and sinus infections. It always works twice as fast and twice as well as the other antibiotics that are usually prescribed. One of many non-working antibiotics led my dad to an ICU visit, in 24 hours, he was a different person after being so sick. Levaquin can quickly turn things around."
- rsi...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 21, 2015
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I have had chronic sinusitis for 30 years. Sometimes 4 per year, and we had to do cultures to make sure we got the right bug after having numerous antibiotics fail. I think allergies and maybe viral infections start it off, and then it turns into an infection. This medication has worked for me over the last 10 years, although we have used other drugs to good effect. I have had few side effects except for dizziness and some brain fog for a few hours after taking the drug. It works very quickly on my infections, but I do worry about side effects. I have been an avid weight lifter and never slowed down while on this med and had no issues with tendons or aches. This time I will take it a little easier and just keep my joints and muscles moving!"
- Anonymous
- August 14, 2009
Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I have had a serious sinus infection for 5 years now. It's been getting better, but it flares up every few months. Ten days ago, during the last flare-up, the doctor prescribed ten days of Levaquin. On the first day, I experienced strange dreams/nightmares, but I stuck with it. My sinuses haven't been this clear since before the initial infection, even though other antibiotics were tried and failed. The real test will be weeks or months after I'm done with this dose. For now, Levaquin is the best thing I've taken for these sinus problems. Within 48 hours, my sinuses felt clear again, and now I'm starting to feel normal - for the first time in 5 years."
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Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I have had sinus infection problem for the past 5-6 years. I typically get it around Spring time when my allergies are bad, and then I get a cold infection, and then my body gives up. The doctor prescribed 500 mg of Amoxicillin two times a day. I took it for 7 days. On the 9th day, the sinus infection came back with fever, congestion, sneezing, etc. The doctor then put me on Cefdinir - 250 mg two times a day. I showed improvement in the first 2 days. It cleared my nose so that at least I started breathing again. On the 5th day, it stopped working. My sinus would not clear. The doctor then changed me to Levaquin, 500 mg, once a day. There was a huge improvement on day 1 itself. On Day 2-70%. Day 3-80%, Day 4-90%, Day 5-100%. Make sure to complete the 7-10 days of treatment. Drink lots of fluids. No muscle pain or tendinitis."