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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

 

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Levofloxacin

(eye drop)

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Summary for Gentamicin

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.

Indications for Gentamicin

  • Impetigo
  • Other bacterial skin infections

Pros and Cons for Gentamicin

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

Common Side Effects for Gentamicin

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

Warnings for Gentamicin

  • Risk of other skin infections
  • Allergic reaction

Summary for Quixin

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 for Quixin

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) - 0.5% strength
  • Corneal ulcer - 1.5% strength

Pros and Cons for Quixin

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 for Quixin

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 for Quixin

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • New infection if used too long

Prices with our coupons for Gentamicin vs. Quixin

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Gentamicin2 tubes / 15g of 0.1%
$31.50$99.97
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Price Card Drug Icon
Levofloxacin1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$52.00$65.59
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