Management of Cutaneous Reactions with Levofloxacin

Understanding Cutaneous Reactions

• Skin rash, pruritus (itching), and photosensitivity occur in approximately 0.2-0.4% of patients taking levofloxacin, according to the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 2, 3

Treatment Approach

• For mild reactions that are determined not to be true hypersensitivity, symptomatic treatment with antihistamines may be sufficient, as suggested by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 4
• Alternative antibiotic therapy will likely be needed, as recommended by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 3

Prevention of Future Reactions

• Avoid all fluoroquinolones in the future as cross-resistance has been demonstrated among ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin, according to the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 3
• If antibiotics are needed, discuss alternative classes with your healthcare provider, as recommended by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 3