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Compare Ethambutol vs. Levaquin

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

Key takeaways

Ethambutol (Myambutol) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) are both antibiotics, but they are used to treat different types of infections. Ethambutol is an antitubercular agent primarily used to treat tuberculosis (TB) and must be taken with other anti-TB antibiotics. It can cause vision problems, so regular eye check-ups are necessary. Levofloxacin, on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It has serious side effects like tendon rupture and nerve damage, so it’s usually prescribed only when other safer options aren’t available. Both medications are taken once daily and are available as an affordable generics. Ethambutol is only availible as a tablet, while levofloxacin comes in various forms, including tablets, oral liquid, and injections. Both medications require a prescription and have specific guidelines for use to avoid severe side effects.

  • Ethambutol (Myambutol)
    Levofloxacin
  • Ethambutol (Myambutol)
    Levofloxacin

  • Summary of Ethambutol vs. Levaquin

    Summary for Antitubercular agent
    Prescription only

    Ethambutol, also known by its brand name Myambutol, is an antibiotic that's used to treat tuberculosis (TB) for people over 13 years old. It's taken with other TB antibiotics as part of a first-choice treatment plan. Ethambutol (Myambutol) works by stopping TB bacteria from growing and surviving. Your dose is based on your body weight. In general, this antibiotic is taken by mouth once a day. Ethambutol (Myambutol) can cause vision problems as a side effect. You'll need to get your eyes checked periodically while you're taking this medication.

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    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 of Ethambutol vs. Levaquin

    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) infection
    Indications for

    Adults only

    •Skin infections
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Sudden worsening of chronic (long-term) bronchitis
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Kidney infections
    •Long-term prostate infections

    Adults and children

    •Anthrax exposure through inhalation
    •Plague

  • Pros and Cons of Ethambutol vs. Levaquin

    Pros and Const for Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •One of the main medications used to treat TB
    •Can take with or without food
    •Taken once a day
    Cons
    •Must take with other TB antibiotics
    •Risk of vision problems
    •Not approved for children younger than 13 years old
    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    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 of Ethambutol vs. Levaquin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Upset stomach
    •Stomach pain
    •Fever
    •Feeling unwell
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)

  • Warnings of Ethambutol vs. Levaquin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision problems
    •Liver injury
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Ethambutol vs. Levaquin

    Learn more about Ethambutol
    Learn more about Levofloxacin

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