Levofloxacin Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 15, 2023.

Applies to levofloxacin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Other side effects

Some side effects of levofloxacin ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• voice changes

• body aches or pain
• congestion
• dryness or soreness of throat
• runny nose
• swelling of the eyelid
• tender, swollen glands in neck
• trouble in swallowing

• itching, pain, redness or swelling of eye or eyelid
• watering of eyes
• decreased vision
• fever
• feeling of having something in the eye
• headache
• hoarseness
• eye burning, dryness, itching, or pain
• increased sensitivity of eyes to light

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, levofloxacin ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to levofloxacin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General

In general, side effects were mild or moderate, transient, and restricted to the eye. The most frequently reported adverse reactions with the 1.5% solution were headache and taste disturbances.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased/blurred vision, ocular infection, ocular pain/discomfort, ocular burning, mucous strand, photophobia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lid edema, ocular dryness, ocular itching, chemosis, corneal erosion, diplopia, floaters, lid erythema, lid matting, conjunctival papillary reactions, conjunctival injection, conjunctival follicles^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Instillation site irritation/discomfort^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, taste disturbances^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Throat irritation, pharyngitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rhinitis
• Frequency not reported: Laryngeal edema^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fever, infection, foreign body sensation^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperemia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Skin rash, contact eczema, contact irritation^[Ref]

Contact eczema and irritation have been reported with the active component and/or the preservative, benzalkonium chloride.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic reactions
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Extra-ocular allergic reactions (including skin rash)
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Further information

Levofloxacin ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer