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Zymaxid vs. Levaquin

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.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)

• Worsening of eye infection
• Eye irritation
• Eye pain
• Changes the taste in your mouth

• Allergic reactions
• New infection

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.

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

• Nausea (7%)
• Headache (6%)
• Diarrhea (5%)
• Trouble sleeping (4%)

• 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