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Compare Gentamicin vs. Ocuflox

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

Key takeaways

Gentak (gentamicin) and Ocuflox (ofloxacin) are both prescription antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes of antibiotics. Gentak is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that works by blocking bacteria from making proteins necessary for their protective covering, while Ocuflox is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking proteins they need to grow and repair their DNA. Gentak is available as both eye drops and an eye ointment, whereas Ocuflox is only available as eye drops. Gentak is typically used 2 to 3 times a day for eye ointment and every 4 hours for eye drops, while Ocuflox has a more frequent dosing schedule, especially for corneal ulcers, which may require application every 30 minutes initially. Common side effects of Gentak include temporary eye irritation or burning, while Ocuflox can cause a temporary burning sensation or discomfort in the eye. Both medications require you to follow specific instructions to avoid contamination and ensure effectiveness.

  • Gentamicin (Gentak)
    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox)
  • Gentamicin (Gentak)
    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox)

  • Summary of Gentamicin vs. Ocuflox

    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 Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) is an eye drop medication that's approved for use in people ages 1 year and older. It's a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal ulcers caused by bacterial infections. Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) is typically used multiple times per day, depending on the reason you need the eye drops and what day of treatment you're on. Side effects aren't common but can include a temporary burning sensation or discomfort in the eye.

  • Indications of Gentamicin vs. Ocuflox

    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid
    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
    •Corneal ulcer (keratitis) that's caused by a bacterial infection

  • Pros and Cons of Gentamicin vs. Ocuflox

    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 Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Directly treats where the bacterial infection is (in the eye)
    •Lower risk of corneal deposits than ciprofloxacin eye drops (Ciloxan)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must follow specific instructions and use multiple times a day
    •Can take days before you get symptom relief
    •Need to wake up in the middle of the night to use the eye drops for the first 2 days of treatment for corneal ulcers

  • Common Side Effects of Gentamicin vs. Ocuflox

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning sensation in the eye
    •Temporary eye discomfort

  • Warnings of Gentamicin vs. Ocuflox

    Common Side Effects for
    •New infection
    •Irritation or allergic reaction
    •Slower healing (ointment form)
    •Contamination (spreading germs and bacteria)
    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eye only
    •Risk of developing new infection
    •Damage to contact lenses (when used in the eye)
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Gentamicin vs. Ocuflox

    Learn more about Gentamicin
    Learn more about Ofloxacin

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