Levofloxacin for Kidney Infections User Reviews

Brand names: Levaquin

Levofloxacin has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 22 reviews for the treatment of Kidney Infections. 27% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 23% reported a negative experience.

Filter by condition

Levofloxacin rating summary

5.8/10 average rating

22 ratings from 26 user reviews.

Compare all 63 medications used in the treatment of Kidney Infections.

10		9%
9		14%
8		5%
7		14%
6		18%
5		14%
4		5%
3		5%
2		5%
1		14%

Reviews for Levofloxacin

Marie
Taken for less than 1 month
December 19, 2018

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I was hospitalized for 3 days and given the IV antiobiotic Rocephin for a kidney infection. After being discharged, I was given a 4 day course of Levaquin, 750mg dosage. Side effects started within hours, first nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in soles of feet, then within a day extended up to my knees and from my fingertips to my shoulders. After the 3rd pill, muscle weakness appeared alongside the nerve pain. I was lucky that within 10 days of taking my last pill, all side effects were gone. I was told by my regular GP to never take the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics again. This is a serious drug, and the nerve pain I experienced could have been permanent. I'd only recommend taking fluoroquinolones as a last resort. Read the FDA black box warnings and if your dr doesn't take them seriously, I'd find a new GP"

1 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

29 Report

golfhat
Taken for less than 1 month
September 8, 2016

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I have taken Levaquin on various occasions for uti.I never really had side effects after only a week of it. The improvement in the infection was pretty rapid and remarkable. In 2 days I felt better than I had in 3 months, so I was suffering from this uti off and on for awhile. Doxycycline and Keflex couldn't touch it. I consider Levaquin the gold standard for a uti. Unfortunately this time I had a kidney infection as well, so I was really miserable. However, if you take Levaquin for several weeks you can have tendon and muscle problems. but my gosh, you have to get rid of the infection or you'll die. so I recommend this over Cipro. Cipro sometimes has to be taken again. I always recommend Levaquin to people."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

29 Report

Anonymous
June 29, 2008

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "After two days I started to feel better. The pain in my kidney caused by the infection decreased and disappeared after two days. It is very important that you take the pill at the same time each day and I was late a couple hours, a couple times. Overall it worked well for me, with no side effects."

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

47 Report

Frequently asked questions

Anonymous
July 15, 2009

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "The symptoms of my kidney infection seemed to go away within 24 hours. However the side effects of the Levaquin started with the first dose. I have a headache, nausea, and feel as though I can't catch my breath. I am grateful that the symptoms of the infection are gone."

6 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

35 Report

Miche...
July 12, 2009

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I was put on Levaquin due to a nasty kidney infection that was found (finally) after I went to the ER because of severe seizures. I have epilepsy, Pallindromic arthritis, and Lupus. After reading this information. My husband picked up the script for me and he was told that these needed to be taken at the same time. Now I am bothered because the side effects of this drug are very much like what I live with daily (joint pain, rashes, seizures, insomnia, etc). I am wondering if this drug is really a good fit for me? But my kidney is GRATEFUL."

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

34 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Navi...
Taken for less than 1 month
October 21, 2015

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "Was prescribed levoflexacin when stent was placed in my kidney/urether for kidney stone. Took 5 day course of 500mg daily and had no problems except for dry skin and dandruff/peeling of skin in hairy areas. Then 15 days later was prescribed 750mg daily for 7 days. On sixth day all hell broke lose. There was severe pain in my knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, fingers, back and shoulders. Had hard time walking or laying down on sofa. 1 month later the pains are slightly better but not completely gone. Be careful with this drug. I am 44 yrs old."

5 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

21 Report

Anonymous
July 5, 2008

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "The infection was eased almost immediately, however by midtreatment I was very jittery and broke out with a hot, hive-like rash that was so miserable that no lotion would relieve,but it was the lesser of two evils to get over the kidney infection. I had to skip the last dose in order to function at work mentally and my body is still very sore. Could tolerate absolutely NO SUN!"

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

32 Report

More FAQ

Can Levaquin cause tendonitis?

Anonymous
July 2, 2009

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I only had to take this once a day for about 7 days. It is expensive but most insurances cover it. It really made a significant difference in just a few days. I loved this because I have trouble remembering to take medication more then once a day."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

30 Report

ICE
January 1, 2022

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I was prescribed Levaquin for repeat kidney infections. Within a few days, my skin began peeling on my fingers and toes, then my nails began to shed/peel. After a couple more days, the bottoms of my feet peeled in HUGE chunks. I was pulling hand sized pieces of skin off. I stopped taking the drug, but the peeling continued for at least a month."

Was this helpful?Yes No

7 Report

Anonymous
June 2, 2009

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "Levaquin started relieving symptoms in about three days, but developed terrible red, itchy skin rash after a morning outside. The rash covered me head to toe within two days with little red spots that then blistered and peeled. It was very uncomfortable and over the counter ointments didn't ease it."

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

27 Report

Right...
Taken for less than 1 month
June 2, 2017

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I took levoFLOXacin for ten days as the third antibiotic for a kidney infection. The first antibiotic cleared one bacteria and the 2nd and 3rd cleared up the 2nd bacteria. The only adverse reaction was to levoFLOXacin. About day 6, I woke during the night with pain in my right arm, from the upper arm to the top of my hand. I thought I'd slept on it wrong. But the pain continued, mostly in the upper arm until 2 days after I completed the regimen. Now, 2 weeks later, I continue to experience pain . If I carry anything the least bit heavy, the upper arm hurts. Yesterday I used it as little as possible but did use my right arm. I had some pain all the way to the top if my hand again. I had reaction to Cipro. I shouldn't have taken this drug."

Was this helpful?Yes No

14 Report

Sunfl...
Taken for less than 1 month
December 15, 2019

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "Was prescribed Levaquin antibiotic for a kidney infection ,the pills did its job of getting rid of the infection, after 3 days I started to feel better, I didn’t had a lot of side effects like everyone else, just experience so much insomnia, I usually go to sleep around 10pm but while I was on this antibiotic I wouldn’t get sleepy until 6am."

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

8 Report

Koober
Taken for less than 1 month
June 22, 2017

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I was prescribed this for a kidney infection. I took one dose. With that dose I felt so sick to my stomach, had horrible anxiety, my face felt hot and I felt sweaty. My calves of my legs also felt sore. I stopped after that first dose because I felt so awful and read some pretty scary side effects! I went to a different Dr and he put me on doxy which is much safer."

4 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

11 Report

Misses...
May 30, 2017

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "750 mg for 7 days home health and approx four days of hospitalization on levaquin. Drug is given once a day via IV. I am severely itchy at this point, not much is helping. Some temporary quick fixes with dr. Teals body oil. Last dose tomorrow, I feel weak, tired and have have the occasional muscle spasms accompiened by a nasty rash all over my legs, arms and stomach. It feels awful. I am ready to get off the meds tomorrow and hopefully the sleep insomnia will subside along with the muscle spasms."

6 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

8 Report

10sgal
July 24, 2016

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "I was treated for kidney infection with 750 mg once a day for 7 days. Like other reviewers I had similar side effects ; terrible headaches , nausea, sleeplessness, aches in joints. I'm an avid tennis player and worry about tendon damage. I must admit the back pain is better in two days but still have frequent urination issues. The doctor ordered a culture which should be back soon and perhaps offer another alternative with fewer side effects."

5 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

9 Report

Jules
Taken for less than 1 month
August 9, 2019

"I was in the hospital for 4 days with a bacterial kidney infection. I was miserable the whole time. Received IV antibiotics which I've forgotten the names, however when I was sent home it was with a prescription of Levoquin 750mg for 10 days. I've never had such side effects as with this drug. I could not take the last 2 pills because I felt like it was making a hole in my stomach. My side effects included severe insomnia, constant nausea, sensitive to light, weakness, fingertips started hurting, drinking anything to include water tasted terrible. I've heard about tendon damage but I hope I don't develop anything else. It has been over a week since I stopped taking these and I am still weak, (no energy) and the nausea doesn't go away. I'm scared to take any antibiotic at this point."

8 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

5 Report

Cyrno
April 26, 2017

"After 4 doses of 500 mg I got terrible headache and ended up 2 1/2 days in hospital. Every bad side effect I have now. I am 69 and should never have gotten this drug. The PERMANENT effects are quite bothersome! It endangered my life and the future looks not good"

1 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

3 Report

Insom...
Taken for less than 1 month
September 22, 2020

"I’m 20 and I took this antibiotic levofloxacin for a possible UTI. This drug is the worst. I’ve never experienced severe insomnia until I had this drug. Went days and nights without sleeping and I am THANKFUL I am done with it. There are other alternative drugs to take. (:"

3 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

1 Report

maejw
Taken for less than 1 month
December 17, 2015

"I was prescribed this for a kidney infection and didn't know I was allergic to it. it caused my face to swell and tip of my tongue tingle. that happened at 8:00 it is now 11:05 and it is just starting to affect my feet and fingers other than that it is helping clear my infection"

6 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

2 Report

Anony...
Taken for less than 1 month
May 2, 2022

"Was prescribed Levofloxacin 500 mg once a day for 20 days for a suspected kidney infection. After taking the first dose, I started getting very anxious. Then it was followed by a very dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea n loss of appetite and finally a fever of 101. Discontinuing this medication right away. There are safer options out there"

2 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

0 Report

slhlm...
Taken for less than 1 month
May 16, 2024

"I used it for 12 days. I first felt a weird taste in my mouth, like metal. Then I felt extremely sleepy and tired all the time. Then I had sacroiliitis, which hurt like hell. Then my teeth started hurting a lot, the back ones, like if I had severe cavities or so, which radiated to my ears. Also, I woke up a few times every night and had a hard time going back to sleep. My urethra stung when I urinated, which only stopped when I finished the 12 days. After I finally ended the treatment, I developed constipation, and it's been really hard to go to the bathroom - which had never happened before. Anyways, the infection's gone and I'm satisfied."

6 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

0 Report

Anonymous
May 26, 2023

"I have been taking levofloxacin for 10 days. In the first few days of taking it, my legs and knees were hurting so bad, and my body ached. At some point after taking the medication, I started feeling aches in my side, as if the kidney infection hadn't gone away. Additionally, a few hours after taking the medication, my eyes become blurry, and I'm only 25 years old. I'm not sure what else to do, and I still have one pill left. I really hope these side effects go away. Furthermore, my urine is cloudy, and my discharge has turned yellowish, which wasn't the case before. I'm concerned about what's happening with this medication. Is it even working? It's been a horrible experience, and I do not recommend this medication to anyone!"

Was this helpful?Yes No

0 Report

Katie...
Taken for less than 1 month
November 4, 2022

"Was given this med after a suspect painful kidney infection. I feel like I have the flu. I am on day 2 of this medication and the pain in my lower back and abdomen is almost gone. Thankfully! But I feel groggy and my body aches. My head feels full for lack of a better word. Not sure how I feel about this medication."

5 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

0 Report

maris...
July 16, 2009

Levaquin (levofloxacin) "Less side effects than Ciprofloxacin for myself, but definitely makes me achy and muscles feel tense. Works very quickly, pain and irritation from kidney infection was gone after one day."

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

38 Report

Juiiu
Taken for less than 1 month
November 23, 2019

"I can't believe the good reviews after my experience with this poison!!!! It’s really sad that Healthcare system isn’t even trying anymore! Just tell us to go home and die!"

1 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

4 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.