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Compare Zymaxid vs. Keflex

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

Key takeaways

Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) and cephalexin (Keflex) are both antibiotics, but they are used in different ways and treat different types of infections. Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used as eye drops to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and is suitable for people aged 1 year and older. In contrast, cephalexin (Keflex) is a cephalosporin antibiotic taken orally to treat a variety of infections, including respiratory tract infections, ear infections, skin infections, bone infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and reproductive system infections. Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) is applied multiple times a day directly to the eye, while cephalexin (Keflex) is taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) is available only as eye drops, whereas cephalexin (Keflex) is available in capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions. Common side effects of gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) include eye irritation and changes in taste, while cephalexin (Keflex) can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable.

  • Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid)
    Cephalexin
  • Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid)
    Cephalexin

  • Summary of Zymaxid vs. Keflex

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cephalexin is a common antibiotic that's used to treat many different bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and sinus infections, to name a few. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria to fight the infection. It's safe to use in people over the age of 1, and it's typically taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic capsule, tablet, and suspension; the brand name Keflex is no longer available. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Zymaxid vs. Keflex

    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
    Indications for
    •Respiratory tract infections
    •Ear infections
    •Skin infections
    •Bone infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Reproductive system infections

  • Pros and Cons of Zymaxid vs. Keflex

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats several common types of bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children over the age of 1
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Usually need to take a few times per day
    •Might not be able to take if you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu (these are viral illnesses, not bacterial infections)

  • Common Side Effects of Zymaxid vs. Keflex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of eye infection
    •Eye irritation
    •Eye pain
    •Changes the taste in your mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain

  • Warnings of Zymaxid vs. Keflex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •New infection
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of bleeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Zymaxid vs. Keflex

    Learn more about Gatifloxacin
    Learn more about Cephalexin

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