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Isoniazid vs. Levaquin

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

Key takeaways

Isoniazid (generic) and Levofloxacin (generic) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections. Isoniazid is mainly used to treat and prevent tuberculosis (TB) and works by stopping TB bacteria from making their protective covering. It can be taken orally or by injection and is very affordable. However, it can cause serious liver damage and nerve problems, and it interacts with many foods and medications. On the other hand, Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is usually taken once daily and is available in tablet, liquid, and injection forms. Levofloxacin has many serious side effects, including tendon rupture and nerve damage, and is typically only used when safer options aren't available. Both medications require a prescription and have generic forms available.

Isoniazid

 

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Levofloxacin

 

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Summary for Isoniazid

Prescription only

Isoniazid is an antimycobacterial agent for treating and preventing tuberculosis (TB) in children and adults. It's available as a generic oral tablet and solution, usually taken daily or a few times a week, depending on your dose. For treating active TB, you'll likely need to take it along with other TB medications (like rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) to prevent antibiotic resistance. Serious side effects include severe liver injury. It's also known to interact with many foods and medications.

Indications for Isoniazid

Pros and Cons for Isoniazid

Pros

  • Is one of the main medications used to treat TB
  • Can be taken by itself for prevention of TB (along with a pyridoxine supplement)
  • Available as an oral tablet and oral solution
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Can cause serious liver damage
  • Likely will need to take it for many months
  • You might need to take each dose in front of a healthcare professional
  • Interacts with many foods and medications

Common Side Effects for Isoniazid

  • Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
  • Rise in liver enzymes

Warnings for Isoniazid

  • Liver injury (hepatitis)
  • Interactions

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 Isoniazid vs. Levaquin

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Isoniazid30 tablets / 300mg
$12.27$128.86
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Levofloxacin7 tablets / 500mg
$9.88$11.94
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