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Augmentin vs. Levaquin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including sinus infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, they belong to different medication classes. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a penicillin antibiotic combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, while levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is available in various forms, such as tablets, chewable tablets, and oral suspension, and is typically taken two to three times daily. In contrast, levofloxacin is usually taken once daily and is available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of amoxicillin-clavulanate include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, whereas levofloxacin can cause nausea, headache, and diarrhea, along with more serious risks like tendon rupture and nerve damage. Both medications can interact with other drugs, but levofloxacin has a broader range of potential interactions, including with antacids and multivitamins.

Augmentin

(amoxicillin / clavulanate)

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Levofloxacin

 

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Summary for Augmentin

Prescription only

Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic medication. It contains a penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This antibiotic treats many types of bacterial infections, like urinary tract infection (UTI), sinus infection, and ear infection, among others. It fights infections by preventing bacteria from protecting themselves from harm. This medication comes as tablets, chewable tablets, and a suspension that are taken by mouth typically two to three times daily. It's approved for use in adults and children. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

Indications for Augmentin

Pros and Cons for Augmentin

Pros

  • Treats many types of bacterial infections in children and adults
  • Available as a tablet, chewable tablet, and oral suspension
  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Safe to use while pregnant and while breastfeeding

Cons

  • Typically need to take 2 or 3 times daily
  • Might not be able to take this antibiotic if you've had a severe penicillin allergy
  • Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Common Side Effects for Augmentin

Immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and suspension

  • Diarrhea or loose stools (9%)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Skin rash (3%)

Extended-release tablets

  • Diarrhea (15%)
  • Vaginal yeast infection (3%)

Augmentin ES-600 (amoxicillin / clavulanate) suspension

  • Vomiting (7%)
  • Fever (6%)
  • Rash (6%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 4%)
  • Diarrhea (4%)

Warnings for Augmentin

  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Liver problems
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for chewable tablets and suspension

Summary for Levaquin

Prescription only

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat many types of bacterial infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs). But because levofloxacin can cause serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, it's usually only prescribed for more serious infections or when safer options aren't available. Levofloxacin is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Levofloxacin is generic only, brand-name Levaquin is no longer available.

Indications for Levaquin

Adults only

Adults and children

Pros and Cons for Levaquin

Pros

  • Usually taken once per day
  • Available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g, nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)
  • Might cause muscle, bone, and joint problems in children
  • Interacts with some antacids and multivitamins

Common Side Effects for Levaquin

  • Nausea (7%)
  • Headache (6%)
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Trouble sleeping (4%)

Warnings for Levaquin

  • Tendon inflammation and rupture
  • Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
  • Worsening of myasthenia gravis
  • Severe allergic and skin reactions
  • Liver damage
  • Severe blood vessel (aorta) damage
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
  • Muscle, bone, and joint problems in children
  • Sun and light sensitivity

Prices with our coupons for Augmentin vs. Levaquin

Price Card Drug Icon
Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate20 tablets / 875mg/125mg
$13.79$34.81
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Levofloxacin10 tablets / 500mg
$10.25$17.05
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