Levaquin vs. Penicillin for Skin Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

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Penicillin V potassium

(Penicillin VK)

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Summary for Levaquin

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 for Levaquin

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 for Levaquin

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 for Levaquin

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

Warnings for Levaquin

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

Summary for Penicillin

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 for Penicillin

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 for Penicillin

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