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Compare Gentamicin vs. Zyvox

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

Key takeaways

Gentak (gentamicin) and Zyvox (linezolid) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and work in different ways. Gentak (gentamicin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid, such as pink eye or corneal ulcers. It comes as eye drops or ointment and is applied directly to the infected area. Zyvox (linezolid), on the other hand, is an oxazolidinone antibiotic used to treat more severe infections like pneumonia and skin infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE. Zyvox is available as a tablet, powder for suspension, and injection, and is typically taken every 8 or 12 hours. While Gentak is generally well-tolerated with common side effects like eye irritation, Zyvox has more serious potential side effects, including serotonin syndrome and low blood cell counts. Additionally, Zyvox interacts with certain foods and medications, requiring careful monitoring. Gentak is available in a lower-cost generic form, whereas Zyvox does not mention a generic option.

  • Gentamicin (Gentak)
    Linezolid (Zyvox)
  • Gentamicin (Gentak)
    Linezolid (Zyvox)

  • Summary of Gentamicin vs. Zyvox

    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 Oxazolidinone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Linezolid (Zyvox) is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that's used to treat adults and children with certain bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and skin infections. This antibiotic can help fight hard-to-treat infections caused by certain bacteria, such as MRSA and VRE. Linezolid (Zyvox) is available as a tablet, powder for suspension, and injection. It's typically taken every 8 or 12 hours. Some side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. This antibiotic also has a rare but serious risk for serotonin syndrome from interactions with medications like antidepressants.

  • Indications of Gentamicin vs. Zyvox

    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid
    Indications for
    •Pneumonia
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis, foot infection related to diabetes)
    •Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections

  • Pros and Cons of Gentamicin vs. Zyvox

    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 Oxazolidinone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Good choice for treating infections caused by resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE
    •Available as a tablet, powder for suspension, and injection
    •Can be used in people with kidney or liver problems
    Cons
    •Need to take every 8 or 12 hours, depending on your age and infection
    •Can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels in the body
    •Interacts with some foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and pickled foods

  • Common Side Effects of Gentamicin vs. Zyvox

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Vomiting (9%)
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count; 6%)
    •Low platelets (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Gentamicin vs. Zyvox

    Common Side Effects for
    •New infection
    •Irritation or allergic reaction
    •Slower healing (ointment form)
    •Contamination (spreading germs and bacteria)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Nerve and eye damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)
    •Seizures
    •Low blood sugar
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - powder for suspension form only

  • Prices with our coupons for Gentamicin vs. Zyvox

    Learn more about Gentamicin
    Learn more about Linezolid

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