Key takeaways
Clarithromycin (generic, previously known as Biaxin) and levofloxacin (generic, previously known as Levaquin) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from making certain proteins, while levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that blocks enzymes bacteria need to grow and repair their genetic material. Clarithromycin is used to treat a variety of infections in both adults and children, including lung, sinus, and skin infections, as well as stomach ulcers caused by *H. pylori*. Levofloxacin, on the other hand, is typically reserved for more serious infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and anthrax exposure due to its potential for severe side effects such as tendon rupture and nerve damage. Clarithromycin is taken either twice a day or once a day depending on the form, whereas levofloxacin is usually taken once daily. Both medications can cause common side effects like nausea and diarrhea, but levofloxacin has additional risks like tendonitis, mental health issues, and sun sensitivity. Clarithromycin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, while the safety of levofloxacin in pregnancy is still uncertain.
