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[Levofloxacin hepatotoxicity. Higher risk in diabetics?]

Joana Coelho1, Carla Gonçalves, Sara Leitão

  • 1Serviço de Medicina Interna, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.

Acta Medica Portuguesa
|August 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Levofloxacin can cause liver injury (hepatotoxicity), particularly in diabetic patients. This study highlights the need for caution when prescribing this antibiotic to individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Hepatology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Levofloxacin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for pneumonia, especially in patients with comorbidities.
  • While generally safe, levofloxacin is associated with undercharacterized hepatotoxicity and can interfere with glucose metabolism.
  • The relationship between levofloxacin-induced hepatotoxicity and diabetes mellitus remains unclear.

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