Levofloxacin Shortage UK 2026

Current supply status and alternatives for Levofloxacin

Source data checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC

May be resolved

Recovery not yet confirmed — the official notice for Levofloxacin gave a resupply estimate that has now passed, but DHSC / CPE has not confirmed supply is back to normal (official data last checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC). Local availability may still be disrupted — check with your pharmacy before travelling.

Not medical advice. MediWatch reports official UK medicine supply data; it is not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist, GP or prescriber. Do not stop, change or switch a medicine without speaking to them first. If you are unwell, contact NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. How we check our information.

Track Levofloxacin

We'll email you only when this medicine's status actually changes — including when its official shortage notice ends. Most weeks that's nothing, and that's good news. Your first 5 tracked medicines are free.

Nearby pharmacies to call about Levofloxacin

Enter your postcode to see nearby NHS-registered pharmacies. Stock is not confirmed.

MediWatch does not guarantee live local stock. Call the pharmacy to confirm before travelling, and never stop or change medication without medical advice.

Where to get Levofloxacin

Speak to your pharmacist. They may be able to order it from another wholesaler, or suggest a different strength or form.
Ask your GP or prescriber about an alternative if it can't be sourced. Don't stop or switch medicine on your own.
Try other pharmacies. Stock varies between pharmacies. Find nearby pharmacies to call or use the NHS Find a pharmacy service (opens in a new tab).

Levofloxacin is used for treating certain bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, when other antibiotics are unsuitable (source: product information (SmPC) on EMC). The most recent official notice for this medication gave a resupply estimate that has passed without confirmed resolution — see the status above. Details of that shortage are below.

Current Shortage Status

This notice has left the official active list because its resupply estimate passed; recovery has not been confirmed. The wording below is what it said when issued.

Levofloxacin 250mg and 500mg tablets

Historic notice DHSC MSN

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Levofloxacin 250mg and 500mg tablets

⚠️ Resolution estimate needs recheck — supply status is not confirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Possible Alternatives

Your GP may consider the following alternatives (always consult before switching):

moxifloxacin
co-amoxiclav
doxycycline

What to Do If You're Affected

Contact your pharmacy as soon as possible — don't wait until you run out
Ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active
Speak to your GP about prescribing an alternative
Try other local pharmacies who may have different stock
Sign up for MediWatch alerts to track this shortage

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Levofloxacin in shortage in the UK in 2026?

Recovery not yet confirmed: the most recent official notice for Levofloxacin gave a resupply estimate that has passed, and DHSC has not confirmed supply is back to normal. Check with your pharmacist, and sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.

What is Levofloxacin used for?

Levofloxacin is commonly prescribed in the UK for treating certain bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, when other antibiotics are unsuitable. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.

What should I do if I can't get Levofloxacin from my pharmacy?

Ask your pharmacist whether a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) covers it and what that protocol allows: each one sets out exactly what can be supplied. If not, contact your GP who can prescribe a suitable alternative. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.

What are the alternatives to Levofloxacin?

Your GP may consider alternatives including moxifloxacin, co-amoxiclav, doxycycline. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications.

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Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · MHRA alerts
Page last updated: 6 November 2026. Data checked daily.