Key takeaways
Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) and Levofloxacin (Levaquin) are both fluoroquinolone antibiotics, but they are used differently. Gatifloxacin is an eye drop used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and is suitable for people aged 1 year and older. It is applied multiple times a day for about a week. In contrast, Levofloxacin is taken orally and treats a variety of serious bacterial infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections. It is usually taken once daily. Levofloxacin has more serious potential side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, and is generally reserved for more severe infections or when other antibiotics are not suitable. Gatifloxacin, being an eye drop, has fewer systemic side effects but can cause eye irritation. Both medications are available in generic forms.
