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Levaquin vs. Flagyl

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.

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

• Nausea (7%)
• Headache (6%)
• Diarrhea (5%)
• Trouble sleeping (4%)

• 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

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

• Trichomoniasis
• Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
• Serious bacterial infections, such as:
  • Abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
  • Skin infections
  • Gynecological infections (including endometritis)
  • Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Central nervous system infections (meningitis)
  • Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)
  • Heart infection (endocarditis)

Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

• Headache (18%)
• Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
• Nausea (10%)
• Metallic taste (9%)
• Flu-like symptoms (6%)

• Possible risk of cancer
• Serious allergic reactions
• Brain and nerve problems
• Liver and kidney problems
• Risk of fungal infection
• Risk of drug resistance
• Lower white blood cell counts
• Interaction with other medications