From the Guidelines
Levofloxacin can cause urinary retention as a side effect, though it is not among the most common adverse reactions. Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic typically prescribed at doses of 250-750 mg once daily for various infections. If you experience difficulty urinating, inability to empty your bladder, or discomfort in your lower abdomen while taking levofloxacin, contact your healthcare provider immediately. This side effect may be more common in older adults, particularly men with enlarged prostates, and in patients taking other medications that can affect urinary function.
Key Considerations
- Urinary retention occurs because fluoroquinolones can affect smooth muscle function in the urinary tract and may interfere with neural pathways controlling bladder function.
- Patients should ensure adequate hydration while taking levofloxacin and should not abruptly discontinue the medication without medical advice, even if experiencing urinary symptoms, as completing the full course of antibiotics is important to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure complete treatment of the infection.
- According to the guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women, a once-daily oral fluoroquinolone, including ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, is an appropriate choice for therapy in patients not requiring hospitalization where the prevalence of resistance of community uropathogens is not known to exceed 10% 1.
- The recommended duration of antimicrobial treatment for patients with catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) who have prompt resolution of symptoms is 7 days, and 10–14 days of treatment is recommended for those with a delayed response, regardless of whether the patient remains catheterized or not 1.
From the Research
Urinary Retention and Levofloxacin
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests levofloxacin can cause urinary retention 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin in treating complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis, without mentioning urinary retention as a potential side effect.
- Common adverse events reported in the studies include nausea, diarrhea, headache, gastrointestinal effects, and dizziness, but urinary retention is not listed 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is essential to consult the prescribing information or a healthcare professional for a comprehensive list of potential side effects associated with levofloxacin.