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Compare Levaquin vs. Cipro

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

Key takeaways

Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are both fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections but they do have some key differences. Levofloxacin is typically taken once daily, while Ciprofloxacin is usually taken twice daily. Levofloxacin is used for infections like pneumonia, UTIs, and skin infections, whereas Ciprofloxacin treats infections such as sinus infections, bone and joint infections, UTIs, and gonorrhea. Both medications can cause serious side effects like tendon rupture and nerve damage. Levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin should be used cautiously in children due to adverse effects like potential muscle, bone, and joint problems. Both medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you should take precautions to protect your skin.

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Levofloxacin Vs. Ciprofloxacin: How Do These Antibiotics Compare?

Levofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Levofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Summary of Levaquin vs. Cipro
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 Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Prescription only
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat many types of bacterial infections, including sinus infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). But because ciprofloxacin (Cipro) can cause serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, it's usually only prescribed for more serious infections or when there aren't any safer options. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's available as a pill and oral solution. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea and diarrhea.
Indications of Levaquin vs. Cipro
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
Adults only

•Skin infections

•Bone and joint infections

•Sinus infections

•Lower respiratory tract infections

•Stomach infections

•Infectious diarrhea

•Typhoid fever

•Gonorrhea in the genitals

•Long-term prostate infections

Adults and children

•Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

•Anthrax exposure through inhalation

•Plague
Pros and Cons of Levaquin vs. Cipro
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 Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Pros

•Can take with or without food

•Available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection

•Possible option for people with penicillin allergy

Cons

•Taken twice daily

•Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g., nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)

•Interacts with many medications, including metformin and warfarin (Coumadin)
Common Side Effects of Levaquin vs. Cipro
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (7%)

•Headache (6%)

•Diarrhea (5%)

•Trouble sleeping (4%)

Common Side Effects for

•Nausea

•Diarrhea

•Vomiting

•Rash

•Abnormal liver blood test results
Warnings of Levaquin vs. Cipro
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

•Tendon inflammation and rupture

•Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health

•Worsening of myasthenia gravis

•Severe allergic and skin reactions

•Liver damage

•Severe damage to a major blood vessel

•Infectious diarrhea

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Muscle, bone, or joint problems in children

•Sun and light sensitivity

•Kidney problems
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Compare Levaquin vs. Cipro

Key takeaways

Summary of Levaquin vs. Cipro

Indications of Levaquin vs. Cipro

Pros and Cons of Levaquin vs. Cipro

Common Side Effects of Levaquin vs. Cipro

Warnings of Levaquin vs. Cipro

Prices with our coupons for Levaquin vs. Cipro

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