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Compare Gentamicin vs. Ilotycin

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

Key takeaways

Gentak (gentamicin) and erythromycin eye ointment are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes. Gentak (gentamicin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking their ability to make proteins necessary for their protective covering. In contrast, erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that stops bacteria from growing by preventing them from making essential proteins. Gentak is available in both eye drop and ointment forms, while erythromycin is only available as an ointment. Gentak is typically used 2 to 3 times a day, whereas erythromycin may need to be applied up to 6 times a day. Erythromycin is also used to prevent pink eye in newborns exposed to certain STIs during birth, a use not indicated for Gentak. Both medications require a prescription and can cause temporary eye irritation or blurry vision.

  • Gentamicin (Gentak)
    Erythromycin eye ointment
  • Gentamicin (Gentak)
    Erythromycin eye ointment

  • Summary of Gentamicin vs. Ilotycin

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Gentamicin (Gentak) is a popular, affordable antibiotic for treating different types of bacterial eye infections. It comes as an eye drop and an eye ointment.

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Erythromycin eye ointment is used to treat and prevent various bacterial eye infections, including pink eye in newborns. The typical dosage for this medication is to apply it in the affected eye(s) up to 6 times a day. Most people experience few to no side effects while using erythromycin eye ointment as directed.

  • Indications of Gentamicin vs. Ilotycin

    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid
    Indications for
    •Bacterial eye infection
    •To prevent pink eye (conjunctivitis) in newborns who might be exposed to certain sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) from their mothers during birth

  • Pros and Cons of Gentamicin vs. Ilotycin

    Pros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats various bacterial eye and eyelid infections
    •The ointment form requires fewer doses per day compared to most alternatives.
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •The ointment form tends to be messy and harder to put in the eye.
    •Can cause temporary eye irritation or burning
    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Applied directly where the infection is (in the eye)
    •Can use in newborns
    •Generally well-tolerated with mild side effects
    Cons
    •Might need to be used up to 6 times a day
    •Only treats some bacterial eye infections; it doesn't treat fungal or viral infections
    •Harder to apply than eye drops
    •Can temporarily cause blurry vision after application

  • Common Side Effects of Gentamicin vs. Ilotycin

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mild eye irritations
    •Eye redness

  • Warnings of Gentamicin vs. Ilotycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •New infection
    •Irritation or allergic reaction
    •Slower healing (ointment form)
    •Contamination (spreading germs and bacteria)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Only use on eye surface
    •New or worsened eye infections
    •Allergic reaction to antibiotics

  • Prices with our coupons for Gentamicin vs. Ilotycin

    Learn more about Gentamicin
    Learn more about Erythromycin eye ointment

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