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Compare Gentamicin vs. Quixin

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

Key takeaways

Gentamicin (Gentak) and levofloxacin are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, such as pink eye and corneal ulcers. However, they belong to different medication classes. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, while levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Gentamicin is available as an eye drop and an eye ointment, whereas levofloxacin is only available as an eye drop. Gentamicin is typically used every 4 hours, but for severe infections, it may be used every hour. Levofloxacin dosing varies based on the strength: the 0.5% strength is used for pink eye and the 1.5% strength for corneal ulcers, with more frequent dosing initially. Both medications are available in a generic form. Common side effects of gentamicin include eye irritation and burning, while levofloxacin can cause temporary eye discomfort and headaches. Both medications require a prescription and should not be used longer than prescribed to avoid new infections.

  • Gentamicin
    Levofloxacin (eye drop)
  • Gentamicin
    Levofloxacin (eye drop)

  • Summary of Gentamicin vs. Quixin

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Gentamicin is a topical antibiotic that treats bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo. It comes as a cream that's useful for wet, oozing, or greasy skin infections. There's also a topical ointment for infections on dry skin. Both forms are applied on the skin 3 to 4 times a day. Gentamicin can be used on adults and children over 1 year of age. Most people don't have many side effects when used as directed. But it's possible to have mild skin irritation, like redness and itching.

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Levofloxacin (eye drop) is an antibiotic eye drop that's used to treat pink eye (0.5% strength) or corneal ulcers (1.5% strength) caused by bacteria. You shouldn't use it for more than a few days to treat the infection. And you'll need to use it multiple times a day for it to work.

  • Indications of Gentamicin vs. Quixin

    Indications for
    •Impetigo
    •Other bacterial skin infections
    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) - 0.5% strength
    •Corneal ulcer - 1.5% strength

  • Pros and Cons of Gentamicin vs. Quixin

    Pros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats various bacterial skin infections, including severe acne or impetigo
    •Very few side effects, so it's safe for most people if used as directed
    •Might be a good option for people who are sensitive to Neosporin
    Cons
    •Applied many times a day
    •Can cause temporary skin irritation
    •Need a prescription from a healthcare professional
    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Applied directly where the infection is
    •Causes fewer serious side effects than oral antibiotics
    •Safe to use in children 6 years and older
    Cons
    •Has to be used multiple times a day
    •Can cause temporary eye irritation after applying
    •Might be difficult to administer for some people

  • Common Side Effects of Gentamicin vs. Quixin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See "Other Side Effects."
    Common Side Effects for

    Levofloxacin (eye drop) 0.5% strength:

    •Temporary eye burning, pain, or discomfort (1-3%)
    •Temporary blurry or loss of vision (1-3%)
    •Headache (1-3%)

    Levofloxacin (eye drop) 1.5% strength:

    •Headache (8-10%)
    •Change in taste (8-10%)

  • Warnings of Gentamicin vs. Quixin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of other skin infections
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •New infection if used too long

  • Prices with our coupons for Gentamicin vs. Quixin

    Learn more about Gentamicin
    Learn more about Levofloxacin

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