Hepatotoxicity Secondary to Levofloxacin Use

Abstract

Levofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used in the treatment of many infections. A rare adverse drug reaction following the use of levofloxacin is drug-induced liver injury. The exact mechanism behind fluoroquinolone-induced liver injury is unknown, but many severe, sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity cases are reported. Current recommendations advise clinicians to discontinue levofloxacin immediately if the patient develops signs and symptoms of hepatitis. This case report presents a 79-year-old male who was prescribed levofloxacin 500 mg by mouth daily for seven days. The patient had a past medical history of dementia, seizures, cerebral vascular accident, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic kidney disease. Upon admission, the patient began to show signs and symptoms of liver injury. We hereby present a case report and a review of significant literature on levofloxacin-induced liver injury.