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Compare Pyrazinamide vs. Levaquin

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

Key takeaways

Pyrazinamide and levofloxacin are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and belong to different drug classes. Pyrazinamide, available only as a generic, is an antitubercular agent used specifically to treat active tuberculosis (TB) and must be taken with other TB medications. It can cause side effects like joint pain, nausea, and liver issues, and it may raise uric acid levels, leading to gout. Levofloxacin, also available as a generic, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is typically taken once daily and can cause serious side effects such as tendon rupture, nerve damage, and mood changes. Unlike pyrazinamide, levofloxacin is available in multiple forms, including tablets, oral liquid, and injections. Both medications require careful monitoring, but levofloxacin has more severe potential side effects and is usually reserved for serious infections when safer options are not available.

  • Pyrazinamide
    Levofloxacin
  • Pyrazinamide
    Levofloxacin

  • Summary of Pyrazinamide vs. Levaquin

    Summary for Antitubercular agent
    Prescription only

    Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic that treats active tuberculosis (TB). It's taken together with other anti-TB medications, such as isoniazid and rifampin. Pyrazinamide can cause side effects like joint or muscle ache, nausea, and vomiting. This medication can also affect the liver and raise your risk for gout. Pyrazinamide is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

    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.

  • Indications of Pyrazinamide vs. Levaquin

    Indications for
    •Treatment of active tuberculosis (TB)
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Pyrazinamide vs. Levaquin

    Pros and Const for Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice medications used to treat active TB
    •Usually taken for 2 months
    •Can take once per day or a few times per week, depending on your dosing schedule
    •Safe for children to take
    Cons
    •Must take with other anti-TB antibiotics
    •Not a good option for people with severe liver problems
    •Can worsen gout and shouldn't be used in people with recent gout flares
    •Only available in tablet form
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Pyrazinamide vs. Levaquin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mild joint or muscle ache
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Loss of appetite
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)

  • Warnings of Pyrazinamide vs. Levaquin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver injury
    •Gout
    •Caution in people with diabetes
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Pyrazinamide vs. Levaquin

    Learn more about Pyrazinamide
    Learn more about Levofloxacin

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