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Compare Zymaxid vs. Azithromycin

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

Key takeaways

Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) and Azithromycin (Zithromax) are both antibiotics, but they are used differently and belong to different classes. Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used as eye drops to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people aged 1 year and older. It needs to be applied multiple times a day and can cause side effects like eye irritation and changes in taste. On the other hand, Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic taken by mouth to treat various infections, including strep throat, sinus infections, and pneumonia. It is usually taken once daily for 3 to 5 days and can cause stomach-related side effects like diarrhea and nausea. Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) is only available as eye drops, while Azithromycin (Zithromax) comes in tablet and liquid forms. Both medications have a generic version available.

  • Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid)
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)
  • Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid)
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Summary of Zymaxid vs. Azithromycin

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drop. It works well to treat pink eye caused by certain types of bacteria, but it doesn't treat pink eye caused by viruses. Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) is approved for people ages 1 year and older. It's placed in the eye multiple times a day. Typically, treatment lasts about a week. Some of the more common side effects of gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) include eye irritation and changes in taste in your mouth.

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

  • Indications of Zymaxid vs. Azithromycin

    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
    Indications for

    Adults

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a bacterial infection
    •Bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urethra or cervix infections
    •Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

    Children

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
    •Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
    •Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
    •Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)

  • Pros and Cons of Zymaxid vs. Azithromycin

    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Causes fewer serious side effects than oral antibiotics
    •Can be given to children age 1 year or older
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Has to be used multiple times a day
    •Can cause temporary eye irritation after applying
    •Won't be able to treat pink eye caused by virus(es)
    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
    •Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
    •Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Common Side Effects of Zymaxid vs. Azithromycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of eye infection
    •Eye irritation
    •Eye pain
    •Changes the taste in your mouth
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (4-5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    •Vomiting (1-6%)
    •Stomach pain (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Zymaxid vs. Azithromycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •New infection
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
    •Doesn't treat syphilis

  • Prices with our coupons for Zymaxid vs. Azithromycin

    Learn more about Gatifloxacin
    Learn more about Azithromycin

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