07 July 2026 : Clinical Research
Levofloxacin-Induced Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: Characteristics and Rational Use Strategies
Liang Tian ABCDE 1*, Shanshan Xu ABC 1, Hui Guo ADG 2DOI: 10.12659/MSM.951518
Med Sci Monit 2026; 32:e951518
Table 2 Clinical characteristics, administration details, and features of levofloxacin-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in 35 patients.
| Item | Category | No. of cases | Proportion (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reporting department | Respiratory Medicine | 15 | 42.9 |
| Urology Surgery | 13 | 37.1 | |
| Orthopedics | 3 | 8.6 | |
| Others | 4 | 11.4 | |
| Patient type | Inpatient | 27 | 77.1 |
| Outpatient | 8 | 22.9 | |
| History of drug allergy | Yes | 5 | 14.3 |
| No | 22 | 62.9 | |
| Unknown | 8 | 22.9 | |
| Route of administration | Oral | 7 | 20.0 |
| Intravenous | 28 | 80.0 | |
| Daily dosage | 200 mg | 4 | 11.4 |
| 500 mg | 25 | 71.4 | |
| 750 mg | 6 | 17.1 | |
| ADR characteristics | |||
| Time to onset after administration | <2 h | 3 | 8.6 |
| 2–24 h | 28 | 80.0 | |
| >24 h | 4 | 11.4 | |
| Severity | Mild | 34 | 97.1 |
| Severe | 1 | 2.9 | |
| Pre-existing conditions | Respiratory system disorders | 8 | 22.9 |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | 3 | 8.6 | |
| Urinary/reproductive system disorders | 22 | 62.9 | |
| Others (Ear-Nose-Throat, soft tissue, etc.) | 2 | 5.7 | |
| Concomitant drugs (main categories) | Antimicrobial agents | 18 | 51.4 |
| Aminophylline | 4 | 11.4 | |
| Antitussive/expectorant agents | 7 | 20.0 | |
| Electrolyte solutions | 4 | 11.4 | |
| Compound vitamins | 6 | 17.1 | |
| Clinical manifestations | Papules/maculopapules | 13 | 37.1 |
| Pruritus | 7 | 20.0 | |
| Urticaria | 5 | 14.3 | |
| Erythema | 4 | 11.4 | |
| Skin flushing | 2 | 5.7 | |
| Photosensitive dermatitis | 3 | 8.6 | |
| Exfoliative dermatitis (severe case)* | 1 | 2.9 | |
| * The single case of exfoliative dermatitis was the only severe ADR reported in this series, highlighting the rare potential for serious cutaneous reactions with levofloxacin. | |||