Levofloxacin-Induced Fatal Hypoglycaemia in a Non-Diabetic Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Levofloxacin, a broad-spectrum, third-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is rarely reported to cause life-threatening adverse effects, such as severe hypoglycaemia resulting in a coma. This case concerns hypoglycaemia in an elderly, non-diabetic patient induced by levofloxacin. A 61-year-old male patient was admitted with severe hypoglycaemia. Past medical history revealed treatment with levofloxacin for pneumonia. During the hospital stay, the patient was treated with multiple doses of 25 g dextrose 50% (D50), 2 doses of 1 mg glucagon, and a continuous infusion of dextrose 10% (D10). The patient was discharged on the sixth day of admission in a stable condition with no clinical symptoms. Clinicians must be aware of this lesser-known adverse effect to ensure quick recognition and treatment with the proper adjuncts.

Keywords

• diabetes
• fluoroquinolones
• hypoglycaemia
• levofloxacin