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Compare 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
    Levofloxacin
  • Isoniazid
    Levofloxacin

  • Summary of Isoniazid vs. Levaquin

    Summary for Antimycobacterial agent
    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.

    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 Isoniazid vs. Levaquin

    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) infection
    •Prevention of TB if you're at high risk for 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 Isoniazid vs. Levaquin

    Pros and Const for Antimycobacterial agent
    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
    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 Isoniazid vs. Levaquin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
    •Rise in liver enzymes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)

  • Warnings of Isoniazid vs. Levaquin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver injury (hepatitis)
    •Interactions
    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 Isoniazid vs. Levaquin

    Learn more about Isoniazid
    Learn more about Levofloxacin

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