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Compare Vigamox vs. Gentak

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

Key takeaways

Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) and gentamicin (Gentak) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses. Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic available as an eye drop, typically used three times a day for seven days to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). In contrast, gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic available as both an eye drop and an eye ointment, used to treat a broader range of bacterial eye and eyelid infections, including after eye surgery or injury. Gentamicin eye drops are used every four hours, or more frequently for severe infections, while the ointment is applied two to three times a day. Both medications can cause eye irritation, but moxifloxacin may also cause dry eyes and blurry vision. Gentamicin ointment can be messy and may slow corneal healing. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable.

  • Moxifloxacin (Vigamox)
    Gentamicin (Gentak)
  • Moxifloxacin (Vigamox)
    Gentamicin (Gentak)

  • Summary of Vigamox vs. Gentak

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people of all ages. It's an eye drop that's placed in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day for 7 days. Side effects aren't common but can include dry eye, eye pain, eye redness, and itchy eyes. This medication is available as a brand-name and generic version.

    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.

  • Indications of Vigamox vs. Gentak

    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

  • Pros and Cons of Vigamox vs. Gentak

    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Can typically start to improve symptoms in a few days
    •Generally used less often during the day than alternatives
    •Safe to use in children and infants
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to use 3 times a day
    •Can cause eye discomfort
    •Might be difficult for some people to use properly
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Vigamox vs. Gentak

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye inflammation or redness (up to 6%)
    •Blurry vision (up to 6%)
    •Dry eye (up to 6%)
    •Eye irritation, pain, or itching (up to 6%)
    •Watery eye (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

  • Warnings of Vigamox vs. Gentak

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eye only
    •Risk of developing new infection
    •Don't wear contact lenses
    •Severe allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •New infection
    •Irritation or allergic reaction
    •Slower healing (ointment form)
    •Contamination (spreading germs and bacteria)

  • Prices with our coupons for Vigamox vs. Gentak

    Learn more about Moxifloxacin
    Learn more about Gentamicin

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