What are the common side effects of levofloxacin?

Common side effects of levofloxacin include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness and difficulty in sleeping, as reported by WebMD. Other possible side effects are abdominal pain, rash, abdominal gas, itching and vaginal discharge, according to RxList.

Patients should stop using levofloxacin and contact their doctor if they experience severe side effects such as chest pain, bloody diarrhea, pale skin, fever, or tingling of the hands or feet, advises RxList. Additionally, patients should seek emergency medical help if they develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, throat or lips.

Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It is ineffective against viral infections such as the common cold and flu, states WebMD.