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Compare Levaquin vs. Bactrim

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

Key takeaways

Levofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat infections differently. Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by blocking enzymes bacteria need to grow, while sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a combination of a sulfonamide and an antifolate that stops bacteria from making folic acid which kills the bacteria. Levofloxacin is typically taken once daily and is used for more serious infections due to its risk of severe side effects like tendon rupture and nerve damage. In contrast, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is usually taken twice daily and can treat a variety of infections, including UTIs and ear infections, but it isn't recommended during pregnancy. Both medications are available in generic forms, but levofloxacin has more serious warnings and is often reserved for cases where other antibiotics are not suitable.

Levofloxacin
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
Levofloxacin
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
Summary of Levaquin vs. Bactrim
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.
Summary for Sulfonamide antibiotic
Prescription only
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sometimes known as SMZ/TMP) is a combination medication containing an antifolate and sulfa antibiotic. It's used to treat different types of infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. This antibiotic has two different brand names, Bactrim and Septra, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically twice daily for most types of infections. This antibiotic also comes as a suspension under the brand name Sulfatrim for people who can't swallow tablets and as an injection for people in the hospital. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash.
Indications of Levaquin vs. Bactrim
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

Indications for

•Urinary tract infection (UTI)

•Lower respiratory tract infection (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, infections related to bronchitis)

•Diarrhea caused by Shigella (shigellosis)

•Travelers' diarrhea - tablet or liquid only

•Ear infections - tablet or liquid only
Pros and Cons of Levaquin vs. Bactrim
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

Pros and Const for Sulfonamide antibiotic
Pros

•Treats many types of bacterial infections

•Can be given to children as young as 2 months old to treat certain infections

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Can upset your stomach and make your skin more sensitive to the sun

•Not the best choice for people with liver or kidney problems

•Not recommended if you're pregnant

•Can't take if you have a sulfa allergy
Common Side Effects of Levaquin vs. Bactrim
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (7%)

•Headache (6%)

•Diarrhea (5%)

•Trouble sleeping (4%)

Common Side Effects for

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Diarrhea

•Loss of appetite

•Rash

•Hives

•Skin sensitivity to sun or light
Warnings of Levaquin vs. Bactrim
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

Common Side Effects for

•Not for use during pregnancy

•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Low platelet counts and risk for bleeding

•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

•Low sodium levels and high potassium levels

•Blood cell-related problems

•Problems with processing phenylalanine - for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) only
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Compare Levaquin vs. Bactrim

Key takeaways

Summary of Levaquin vs. Bactrim

Indications of Levaquin vs. Bactrim

Pros and Cons of Levaquin vs. Bactrim

Common Side Effects of Levaquin vs. Bactrim

Warnings of Levaquin vs. Bactrim

Prices with our coupons for Levaquin vs. Bactrim

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