Amoxicillin vs. Levaquin

Amoxicillin is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. Other antibiotics in this class include ampicillin, piperacillin, ticarcillin, and others.

Levaquin is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections. It works by preventing the reproduction and repair of bacteria’s genetic material. Levaquin is in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Other antibiotics in this class include ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, trovafloxacin, lomefloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin.

What are the uses of amoxicillin vs. Levaquin?

Amoxicillin uses

Amoxicillin treats bacterial infections susceptible to its effects. Common infections treated with amoxicillin include those of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx, bronchi, lungs, urinary tract, and skin. It also treats gonorrhea.

Levaquin uses

Levaquin treats sinus, skin, lung, ear, airway, bone, and joint infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is also used for urinary infections, prostatitis, infectious diarrhea caused by E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Shigella bacteria, obstetric infections, and inhalation anthrax exposure.

What are the side effects of amoxicillin vs. Levaquin?

Amoxicillin side effects

People allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics may or may not be allergic to amoxicillin. Serious but rare reactions include seizures, severe allergic reactions, and low platelet or red blood cell count. Amoxicillin can cause pseudomembranous colitis.

Levaquin side effects

Serious side effects include tendinitis and tendon rupture, worsening of muscle weakness in individuals with myasthenia gravis. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and insomnia. Rare allergic reactions have been described. Possible serious side effects include peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, abnormal heart beats, liver dysfunction, and sun sensitivity.

What is the dosage of amoxicillin vs. Levaquin?

Amoxicillin dosage instructions

For most infections in adults, the dose of amoxicillin ranges from 250 mg to 875 mg depending on the type and severity of infection. For the treatment of adults with gonorrhea, the dose is 3 g. Children older than 3 months but less than 40 kg are treated with 25 or 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses.

Levaquin dosage instructions

The usual dose of Levaquin is 250-750 mg once daily for 3-14 days depending on the type of infection. Anthrax is treated with 500 mg daily for 60 days.

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What are the drug interactions of amoxicillin vs. Levaquin?

Amoxicillin is rarely associated with important drug interactions. Levaquin can interact with iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium-containing products, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and warfarin.

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Are amoxicillin and Levaquin safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Amoxicillin safety

Penicillins are generally considered safe for use by pregnant women who are not allergic to penicillin. Amoxicillin is also considered safe while breastfeeding.

Levaquin safety

Levaquin is not recommended for use in pregnant women due to risks of joint and bone deformities in animals. Levaquin is excreted in breast milk, so mothers should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue Levaquin.

Summary

Amoxicillin and Levaquin are antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is a penicillin while Levaquin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class. Both drugs have similar side effects, but Levaquin has more serious side effects.