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Compare Ciloxan vs. Tobrex

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

Key takeaways

Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin) and Tobrex (tobramycin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes. Ciloxan is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, while Tobrex is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Both medications are available as an ointment and a solution, with the solution being available in a generic form, making it more affordable. Ciloxan is specifically indicated for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, whereas Tobrex is used for various bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid. Ciloxan requires more frequent dosing, especially for corneal ulcers, while Tobrex's dosing frequency depends on the severity of the infection. Both medications can cause temporary eye irritation and should not be used with contact lenses during treatment.

  • Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan)
    Tobramycin (Tobrex)
  • Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan)
    Tobramycin (Tobrex)

  • Summary of Ciloxan vs. Tobrex

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) is an eye drop and eye ointment that can treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). The eye drops can also help treat corneal ulcers. This medication belongs to the drug class called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Although the ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) eye drops can be used for people of all ages, the eye ointment is approved for people who are 2 years old and older. The typical dosing varies greatly depending on the eye condition you have, what day of treatment you're on, and which formulation you're using. Side effects are often temporary; they can include eye discomfort, an aftertaste in the mouth, and itchy eye.

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Tobramycin (Tobrex) is an antibiotic that's used to treat different types of bacterial eye infections. It can be used for people ages 2 months and older. Tobramycin (Tobrex) comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) and eye ointment that are used multiple times per day. It's available in both brand-name and generic versions. The most common side effects include eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, and eye redness. Like with all antibiotics, you shouldn't stop treatment too early because your infection could come back or get harder to treat.

  • Indications of Ciloxan vs. Tobrex

    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye that's caused by a bacterial infection)
    •Corneal ulcer (keratitis) that's caused by a bacterial infection - eye drops only
    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

  • Pros and Cons of Ciloxan vs. Tobrex

    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Available as eye drops and an eye ointment
    •Eye drop is available as a lower-cost generic
    •Applied directly where the infection is (in the eye)
    Cons
    •Must use multiple times a day
    •Can cause temporary eye irritation
    •Ointment can be messy to use and hard to put in the eye
    Pros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats various bacterial eye and eyelid infections
    •Ointment form requires fewer doses per day than most alternatives
    •Eye drop form is available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause temporary eye irritation
    •Might require more frequent dosing throughout the day for severe infections
    •Ointment form tends to be messy and harder to put in the eye

  • Common Side Effects of Ciloxan vs. Tobrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning or discomfort in the eye
    •Crusty eyelids
    •Feeling that something is in your eye
    •Itchy eye
    •Eye redness
    •Aftertaste in the mouth
    •White crystals in the eye (eye drops for corneal ulcer only)
    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

  • Warnings of Ciloxan vs. Tobrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Only use on eye surface
    •Allergic reaction
    •Risk of new eye infection when used for a long time
    •White substance on eye surface (eye drops only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •New infection
    •Allergic reaction
    •Avoid contact lenses
    •Slower healing (for eye ointment only)
    •Risk of contamination (spreading germs)

  • Prices with our coupons for Ciloxan vs. Tobrex

    Learn more about Ciprofloxacin
    Learn more about Tobramycin

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