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Compare Levaquin vs. Penicillin

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

Key takeaways

Levofloxacin (Levaquin) and penicillin (Penicillin VK) are antibiotics used for bacterial infections but differ in their uses and side effects. Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, treats a variety of infections such as skin, sinus, and respiratory infections, and is typically taken once daily. Penicillin VK, a penicillin antibiotic, is mainly used for strep throat, pneumonia, and certain skin infections, and must be taken every 6 to 8 hours. Levofloxacin can be taken if you’re allergic to penicillin but has serious side effects like tendon damage and nerve issues. Penicillin VK has fewer side effects but is less effective against resistant bacteria. Both have generic versions available, but levofloxacin interacts with more medications, so it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any other drugs you’re taking.

  • Levofloxacin
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
  • Levofloxacin
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)

  • Summary of Levaquin vs. Penicillin

    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 Penicillin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. It's available as tablets and suspension that are taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, but the medication is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

  • Indications of Levaquin vs. Penicillin

    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
    •Certain types of streptococcal infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, erysipelas (a type of skin infection)
    •Pneumococcal respiratory tract infections
    •Staphylococcal skin infections
    •Vincent's gingivitis
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever or chorea (long-term problems from strep infection)
    •Prevention of heart valve infections in certain people with heart problems

  • Pros and Cons of Levaquin vs. Penicillin

    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 Penicillin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a tablet and suspension
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin
    •Not recommended for treating a cold or the flu because these are viral infections
    •Needs to be taken every 6 to 8 hours

  • Common Side Effects of Levaquin vs. Penicillin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Levaquin vs. Penicillin

    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
    •Allergic reaction
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Levaquin vs. Penicillin

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    Learn more about Penicillin v potassium

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