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Compare Xenleta vs. Avelox

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

Key takeaways

Xenleta (lefamulin) and Avelox (moxifloxacin) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Xenleta is a pleuromutilin antibiotic specifically used to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults. Avelox, on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats a wider range of infections, including infections of the lungs, skin, gut, and sinuses. Both Xenleta and Avelox are available as tablets and an injection. Xenleta tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, whereas Avelox tablets can be taken with or without food. While Xenleta is only available as a brand-name medication, Avelox is available in a generic form. Both medications have serious side effects, but Avelox has a broader range of potential risks, including tendon rupture, nerve damage, and severe allergic reactions.

  • Xenleta (lefamulin)
    Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
  • Xenleta (lefamulin)
    Moxifloxacin (Avelox)

  • Summary of Xenleta vs. Avelox

    Summary for Pleuromutilin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Xenleta (lefamulin) is FDA approved to treat adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). This medication is a type of antibiotic called a pleuromutilin antibiotic. Xenleta (lefamulin) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice a day for 5 days. It's also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that's given by a healthcare professional for 5 to 7 days. Side effects aren't common but can include diarrhea and nausea.

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Moxifloxacin (Avelox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat different types of infections, including certain skin infections and lung infections, in adults. But because moxifloxacin (Avelox) 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. Moxifloxacin (Avelox) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. Moxifloxacin is generic only, brand-name Avelox is no longer available.

  • Indications of Xenleta vs. Avelox

    Indications for
    •Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults
    Indications for

    Treatment of certain bacterial infections, including:

    •Lung infections (e.g., community acquired pneumonia, chronic bronchitis flare-ups)
    •Skin infections
    •Gut infections
    •Plague
    •Sinus infections

  • Pros and Cons of Xenleta vs. Avelox

    Pros and Const for Pleuromutilin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Available as a tablet and an IV infusion
    •Treatment typically lasts 5 to 7 days
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for treating CABP
    •Must take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Can take with or without food
    •Only taken once a day
    •Treats many types of infections
    •Might be an option for people who have penicillin allergy
    Cons
    •Not well-studied in children
    •Interacts with a lot of common medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) and antacids
    •Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g., nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)

  • Common Side Effects of Xenleta vs. Avelox

    Common Side Effects for

    Xenleta (lefamulin) tablets:

    •Diarrhea (12%)
    •Nausea (5%)

    Xenleta (lefamulin) injection:

    •Pain, swollen vein, or other reactions at the injection site (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Headache (4%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Trouble sleeping (2%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    •Constipation (2%)
    •Belly pain (2%)

  • Warnings of Xenleta vs. Avelox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk for serious abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tendon inflammation and rupture
    •Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Severe damage to a major blood vessel
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Changes in blood sugar
    •Sun and light sensitivity

  • Prices with our coupons for Xenleta vs. Avelox

    Learn more about Xenleta
    Learn more about Moxifloxacin

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