Compare Biaxin vs. Zymaxid
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats bacterial infections.
Biaxin (clarithromycin) is a good first-choice medicine to treat most common respiratory infections. Side-effects are common, but mild.
Treats eye infections.
Zymaxid (gatifloxacin) effectively treats pink eye caused by bacteria, but must be applied multiple times a day.
Upsides
- Good first-choice treatment for respiratory infections.
- Compared to similar medicines, Biaxin (clarithromycin) is better tolerated.
- Available as an extended-release pill for convenient once daily dosing and as a liquid for trouble swallowing pills.
- Children as young as 6 months can use Biaxin (clarithromycin) safely and effectively.
- Zymaxid (gatifloxacin) effectively treats pink eye.
- Directly applying Zymaxid (gatifloxacin) to the eye(s) helps you avoid systemic side effects such as diarrhea and sun sensitivity.
- Inexpensive generic Zymaxid (gatifloxacin) drops are available.
Downsides
- Can cause changes in taste.
- Can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
- Biaxin (clarithromycin), can interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking medicines for heart problems or gout.
- If you have kidney or liver problems, Biaxin (clarithromycin) might not be a good option.
- Requires frequent applications, especially during the first few days of treatment.
- Directly applying Zymaxid (gatifloxacin) to the eyes can be irritating.
- Must be applied more frequently than some alternatives.
Used for
- Acute bronchitis
- Acute sinusitis
- Community acquired pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated mycobacterial infections
- Ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection
- Anthrax
- Prevention of heart infection (endocarditis)
- Whooping cough
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Eye drops
Price
Lowest price
$16.93
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$25.56
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Reviews
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Side effects
7possible side effects
- Nausea12%
- Vomiting8%
- Abnormal changes in taste4%
- Abdominal pain3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Rash3%
- Headache2%
The Zymaxid (gatifloxacin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Serious allergic reaction
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- History of heart arrhythmias
- Drugs that cause prolonged QT interval
- Abnormal electrolytes
- Elderly
- Liver toxicity
- Serious drug interactions
- Severe diarrhea caused by bacteria
- Antibiotic use
- Birth defects
- Pregnancy
- Allergy to ingredients
- Allergies to quinolone antibiotics such as Levaquin and Cipro.
- Risk for contamination
- Not to be used with contact lenses
- For use topically in the eyes only
- Risk of infection
- Prolonged use