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Compare Zymaxid vs. Levaquin

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

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.

  • Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid)
    Levofloxacin
  • Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid)
    Levofloxacin

  • Summary of Zymaxid vs. Levaquin

    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 Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat many types of bacterial infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs). But because levofloxacin can cause serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, it's usually only prescribed for more serious infections or when safer options aren't available. Levofloxacin is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Levofloxacin is generic only, brand-name Levaquin is no longer available.

  • Indications of Zymaxid vs. Levaquin

    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
    Indications for

    Adults only

    •Skin infections
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Sudden worsening of chronic (long-term) bronchitis
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Kidney infections
    •Long-term prostate infections

    Adults and children

    •Anthrax exposure through inhalation
    •Plague

  • Pros and Cons of Zymaxid vs. Levaquin

    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 Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Usually taken once per day
    •Available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g, nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)
    •Might cause muscle, bone, and joint problems in children
    •Interacts with some antacids and multivitamins

  • Common Side Effects of Zymaxid vs. Levaquin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of eye infection
    •Eye irritation
    •Eye pain
    •Changes the taste in your mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)

  • Warnings of Zymaxid vs. Levaquin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •New infection
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tendon inflammation and rupture
    •Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Severe blood vessel (aorta) damage
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Muscle, bone, and joint problems in children
    •Sun and light sensitivity

  • Prices with our coupons for Zymaxid vs. Levaquin

    Learn more about Gatifloxacin
    Learn more about Levofloxacin

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