Compare Ciprodex vs. Tobradex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone) and TobraDex (tobramycin/dexamethasone) are both combination medications used to treat infections, but they target different areas of the body. Ciprodex is an ear drop used to treat bacterial ear infections in people 6 months and older, while TobraDex is an eye drop or ointment used to treat bacterial eye infections and inflammation. Ciprodex contains ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid. TobraDex contains tobramycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and dexamethasone. Ciprodex is typically used for 7 days, while TobraDex is used for 7 to 10 days but requires an eye exam if used for more than 10 days due to the risk of increased eye pressure. Both are available as lower-cost generic versions. Both medications should not be used for viral or fungal infections and have specific instructions for use to avoid contamination and ensure effectiveness.
- Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin / dexamethasone)Tobradex (tobramycin / dexamethasone)
- Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin / dexamethasone)Tobradex (tobramycin / dexamethasone)
Summary of Ciprodex vs. Tobradex
Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic / CorticosteroidPrescription onlyCiprodex is an ear drop suspension that contains ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) and dexamethasone (a corticosteroid). It's used to treat middle and outer ear infections in people ages 6 years and older. The dosage is 4 drops twice a day, typically for 7 days. Side effects aren't common, but include ear discomfort, ear pain, and changes in taste. It's available as both a brand name (Ciprodex) and generic.
Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic / CorticosteroidPrescription onlyTobraDex (tobramycin / dexamethasone) is available as eye drops and an eye ointment. It's used to treat and relieve bacterial eye infections. This medication contains tobramycin (an aminoglycoside antibiotic that helps fight the infection) and dexamethasone (a corticosteroid that helps lower eye inflammation). Most people have few to no side effects from the medication when they use it as directed. But the medication can raise your eye pressure if you use it for more than 10 days.
Indications of Ciprodex vs. Tobradex
Indications for•Middle ear infections (otitis media) in children ages 6 months and older with surgically-placed ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes)•Outer ear canal infections (swimmer's ear or otitis externa) in people 6 months and olderIndications for•Eye inflammation from a bacterial infection in the eye•Eye inflammation when there's a risk for a bacterial infection in the eyePros and Cons of Ciprodex vs. Tobradex
Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic / CorticosteroidPros•Combines two medications into a single ear drop•Generally only needs to be used for 7 days•Can be used in children as young as 6 months oldCons•Need to use twice a day•Can be difficult for some people to administer correctly•Can only treat ear infections caused by bacteria, not infections caused by fungi or virusesPros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic / CorticosteroidPros•Relieves eye inflammation and treats bacterial eye infection at the same time•Combines two medications into one eye product for convenience•Applied directly where the infection is (in the eye)•Is safe and work wells for children as young as 2 years old•Eye drops are available as a lower-cost genericCons•Need to use multiple times a day•Must shake the eye drop bottle before each use, which can be easy to forget•Can cause eye irritation or allergic reactions for some people•Requires an eye exam after 10 days of use to check your eye pressure•Only treats some bacterial eye infections; it doesn't treat fungal or viral infectionsCommon Side Effects of Ciprodex vs. Tobradex
Common Side Effects for•Ear discomfort (3%)•Ear pain (2%)•Itchy ear (2%)Common Side Effects for•Eye irritation•Eye redness•Itchy eyelids•Swollen eyelidsWarnings of Ciprodex vs. Tobradex
Common Side Effects for•Severe allergic reactions•Development of new infection•Use only in the earCommon Side Effects for•Only use on the surface of the eye•Higher eye pressure•New or worsened eye infections•New eye problems (e.g., injury, cataracts)•Possible allergic reactionPrices with our coupons for Ciprodex vs. Tobradex
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