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Rifadin vs. Levaquin

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

Key takeaways

Rifampin (Rifadin) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat different types of infections. Rifampin is a rifamycin antibiotic primarily used to treat tuberculosis (TB) and to prevent the spread of meningococcal bacteria in carriers. It can be taken orally or intravenously and is often used in combination with other TB medications. One unique side effect of rifampin is that it can change the color of your body fluids and teeth to an orange or red hue. On the other hand, levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. It is taken orally and is available as a generic. Levofloxacin has serious potential side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, and is usually reserved for more severe infections when safer options are not available. Both medications require careful monitoring and have specific guidelines for use to avoid complications.

Rifampin

(Rifadin)

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Levofloxacin

 

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Summary for Rifadin

Prescription only

Rifampin (Rifadin) is an antibiotic used to treat active and latent tuberculosis (TB). It also helps prevent the spread of meningococcal infections by people who carriers of the bacteria, but aren't showing symptoms. Rifampin (Rifadin) is taken by mouth once or twice daily, depending on your medical conditions. If you're taking it for TB, your provider might prescribe other medications as well, like isoniazid. One side effect of rifampin (Rifadin) is that it can temporarily change the color of your teeth, body fluids, and even urine as a side effect.

Indications for Rifadin

  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Meningococcal carriers (when there's bacteria living in the nose and/or throat, but not causing infection)

Pros and Cons for Rifadin

Pros

  • One of the first-choice antibiotics for treating TB
  • Taken once daily for TB treatment
  • For people who carry the meningococcal bacteria, taking rifampin (Rifadin) for just 2 days helps prevent the spread of infection
  • Can be made into an oral suspension if you or your child has a hard time swallowing capsules
  • Available in an injectable form if you're in the hospital and can't take medications by mouth
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Must be used in combination with other anti-TB antibiotics when treating active TB
  • Can change the color of your teeth and body fluids and stain your contact lenses
  • Skipping doses can quickly cause drug resistance, making it much harder to treat the infection.
  • Can cause liver injury, so it's recommended to avoid alcohol
  • Interacts with many medications, and can lower the medication levels in the body
  • Not recommended for the treatment of serious meningococcal infections

Common Side Effects for Rifadin

  • Temporary change in color (orange/yellow) of body fluids and teeth

Warnings for Rifadin

  • Liver injury
  • Not for treating meningococcal infection
  • Allergic reactions
  • Higher risk for bleeding
  • Caution in diabetes
  • More side effects if not taken once a day
  • Effects on hormones and vitamin D levels

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

Adults and children

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

Prices with our coupons for Rifadin vs. Levaquin

Price Card Drug Icon
Rifampin60 capsules / 300mg
$38.99$112.70
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Levofloxacin7 tablets / 500mg
$9.88$11.94
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