Compare Levaquin vs. Flagyl
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats bacterial infections.
Levaquin (levofloxacin) effectively treats different types of bacterial infections, but it is relatively more expensive than some of its alternatives.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 90 reviewsforLevaquin
Treats and prevents bacterial infections.
Flagyl (metronidazole) is very good at treating certain bacterial infections, but you can't have any alcohol while on it since it'll make you throw up a lot.
Upsides
- Available as a generic medicine.
- Liquid form of Levaquin (levofloxacin) is available for those with trouble swallowing.
- Treats a variety of bacterial infections.
- Take only once a day.
- Can take pill form with or without food.
- Flagyl (metronidazole) is good at killing a variety of bacteria.
- Unlike many other antibiotics, Flagyl (metronidazole) is less likely to make bacteria resistant to it.
- Most forms are available as a generic, so it's relatively cheap.
Downsides
- People with diabetes need to check their blood sugar levels regularly while taking Levaquin (levofloxacin).
- Can't take Levaquin (levofloxacin) at the same time as antacids or vitamins.
- Levaquin (levofloxacin) can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight and make you more likely to get a rash.
- Relatively more expensive compared to similar alternatives.
- Associated with serious and some potentially life-threatening side effects.
- You can't drink alcohol while on Flagyl (metronidazole), and for at least 3 days after you finish it.
- Side effects can include nausea, headache, stomach upset, and a metallic taste in your mouth.
- If you're taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time, there's a risk of more side effects, such as nerve damage.
- If you're on blood thinners, let your doctor know. Flagyl (metronidazole) can interact with your medicines and make you more likely to bleed.
Used for
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia
- Community acquired pneumonia
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Post-exposure inhalational anthrax
- Plague
- Urinary tract infection
- Acute kidney infection
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Acute bacterial sinus infection
- Chlamydia
- Traveler's diarrhea
- Tuberculosis
- Amebiasis
- Infection caused by anaerobic bacteria
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Trichomoniasis
- Balantidiasis
- Bite wounds
- Clostridium difficile infection
- Crohn's disease
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Giardiasis
- Helicobacter pylori eradication
- Periodontitis
- Pouchitis
- Prophylaxis against sexually-transmitted diseases following sexual assault
- Skin and soft tissue necrotizing infections
- Surgical site infections
- Tetanus
- Urethritis, nongonococcal
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$7.70
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$7.77
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Reviews
90 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
31%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
The Levaquin (levofloxacin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
13possible side effects
- Headache18%
- Nausea10%
- Metallic taste9%
- Genital itching5%
- Dizziness4%
- Diarrhea4%
- Stomach problems4%
- Overgrowth of yeast3%
- Stuffy nose3%
- Menstrual cramps3%
- Abnormal urine3%
- Dry mouth2%
- Urinary tract infection2%
Risks and risk factors
- Tendon rupture and inflammation
- People over age 60
- Taking steroid medicine
- Those with kidney, heart, or lung transplants
- Myasthenia gravis
- Those with a history of myasthenia gravis
- Diarrhea
- Nerve damage
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Those with a history of depression
- Effects on heartbeat
- Those with a history of heart rhythm problems
- Taking other medicines that also affect your heart rhythm
- Older people
- Seizure or brain problems
- Taking high doses of Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time
- Nerve damage
- Taking high doses of Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time
- Cancer
- New infection while taking Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) incorrectly
- Interaction with alcohol
- Drinking alcohol while taking Flagyl (metronidazole)