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Comparing Cephalexin vs Levofloxacin

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Cephalexin Remove Cephalexin from your drug comparison Levofloxacin Remove Levofloxacin from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Cephalexin Remove Cephalexin from your drug comparison Levofloxacin Remove Levofloxacin from your drug comparison

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria. Approximately 10% of people who are allergic to penicillin... View more

Levofloxacin treats a wide range of bacterial infections; however, it can cause some very severe and potentially irreversible side effects such as tendonitis or tendon rupture and should only be used... View more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 412 reviews

View all 665 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full cephalexin side effects document.

See the full levofloxacin side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 4 capsule
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $2.35 - $2.74
Cost* $9.38 - $10.97

View all cephalexin prices

Quantity 2 tablet
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $3.58
Cost* $7.15

View all levofloxacin prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral powder for reconstitution
  • Oral tablet
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Keflex Levaquin

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

1 hour

6 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

N/A

FDA Alerts (7)

Drug Interactions

A total of 26 drugs are known to interact with cephalexin:

  • 3 major drug interactions (9 brand and generic names)
  • 23 moderate drug interactions (167 brand and generic names)

A total of 454 drugs are known to interact with levofloxacin:

  • 103 major drug interactions (469 brand and generic names)
  • 300 moderate drug interactions (2440 brand and generic names)
  • 51 minor drug interactions (135 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
  • When levoFLOXacin as the oral solution is given with enteral (tube) feedings, levoFLOXacin may not... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

January 04, 1971

December 20, 1996

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer