Concerns About Levofloxacin and Methylprednisolone Treatment
Hello! I am a 34-year-old woman weighing 117 pounds. For the past month, I've been struggling with a sinus infection that began with intense pain on the left side of my face and a feeling of ear blockage, without any nasal drainage. I was also producing thick green mucus while coughing. Prior to this infection, I had managed a few viruses. My doctor prescribed Augmentin and prednisone, which alleviated some of the facial discomfort but did not resolve the ear blockage. I continued to cough up green phlegm, and eventually some nasal discharge appeared. Seeking further assistance, I visited an ENT specialist who performed a culture swab and a nasal endoscopy, revealing inflammation in the sinuses. Unfortunately, the culture results were inconclusive, so she recommended Rhinocort. After using it for a week, I developed bronchitis and went to urgent care, where I was given azithromycin and Albuterol. I completed my course of azithromycin, but the ear blockage persisted. When I blow my nose, I experience a mix of clear mucus, some green discharge, and occasional blood streaks. My cough varies too, producing phlegm that can be clear, yellow, green, or white at different times. I followed up with my primary care physician regarding this issue. She indicated that the ear blockage was likely due to inflammation affecting my Eustachian tubes. Upon listening to my lungs, she noted some mucus sounds, potentially low in my lungs. She advised me to take Mucinex and prescribed levofloxacin and methylprednisolone for treatment. Remarkably, the Mucinex worked quickly, and for the first time in a month, my ear cleared up in just a few hours! However, I feel apprehensive about starting the levofloxacin and methylprednisolone right after finishing the azithromycin, particularly since I've experienced several adverse reactions to my medications—especially digestive issues, despite taking probiotics. I'm also worried about the numerous side effects associated with levofloxacin. Should I postpone starting this new medication for a few days after completing azithromycin, or is it safe to start them concurrently? Additionally, is there a different option that may have fewer side effects yet is effective like levofloxacin?
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 10:20:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
Starting levofloxacin and methylprednisolone right after completing azithromycin may raise understandable concerns, especially given your history of medication reactions. It's important to balance effective treatment with safety and comfort. Here are the main points to consider:
Key Points:
- Current Treatment Context: You have been experiencing ongoing sinus issues, ear blockage, and bronchitis despite previous treatments. The current medications are aimed at reducing inflammation and combating potential bacterial infections.
- Concerns About Medications: You have experienced digestive issues and are wary of the side effects related to levofloxacin, which can include gastrointestinal discomfort.
Explanation:
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, and methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. Given your recent completion of azithromycin and current symptoms, it is generally safe to proceed with the prescribed medications as long as you monitor for any side effects.
However, if you are particularly sensitive to medications and have concerns about potential interactions or side effects, discussing a slight delay in starting levofloxacin may be reasonable, as it can give your body a short break after the last antibiotic.
Next Steps:
- Consider Timing: If you feel comfortable, you may wait a few days after finishing azithromycin before starting levofloxacin and methylprednisolone, especially if you’d like to see how your body responds post-azithromycin.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your symptoms. If any unusual side effects arise after starting the new medications, like severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other digestive issues, prioritize contacting your healthcare provider immediately.
- Discuss Alternatives: If you're seriously concerned about levofloxacin or if side effects become intolerable, consult your physician about alternative antibiotics that may have fewer side effects, such as amisulpride, or supportive treatments that could help with your sinus and cough symptoms.
Remember, it's important to advocate for your health by discussing your concerns and preferences with your healthcare provider, ensuring that your treatment aligns with your needs and comfort level.
Related Questions
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?