Comparing Clarithromycin vs Levofloxacin

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
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Clarithromycin

Levofloxacin

Prescribed for Dental Abscess, Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention, Bronchitis, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Legionella Pneumonia, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare - Prophylaxis, Mycobacterium... 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

Ratings & Reviews

View all 754 reviews

View all 678 reviews

Drug Class

Macrolides

Quinolones

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: dysgeusia.

See the full clarithromycin side effects document.

See the full levofloxacin side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	30 each
Dosage	500 mg
Per Unit^*	$1.97
Cost^*	$59.04

View all clarithromycin prices

Quantity	3 tablet
Dosage	500 mg
Per Unit^*	$6.41
Cost^*	$19.22

View all levofloxacin prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral powder for reconstitution
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Intravenous solution
Oral solution
Oral tablet

Brand Names

Biaxin XL

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.

7 hours

6 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 634 drugs are known to interact with clarithromycin:

212 major drug interactions (646 brand and generic names)
374 moderate drug interactions (1595 brand and generic names)
48 minor drug interactions (167 brand and generic names)

A total of 463 drugs are known to interact with levofloxacin:

105 major drug interactions (472 brand and generic names)
302 moderate drug interactions (2464 brand and generic names)
56 minor drug interactions (144 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

October 31, 1991

December 20, 1996

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

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