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Compare Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

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

Key takeaways

Gentak (gentamicin) and Tobrex (tobramycin) are both aminoglycoside antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid. Both medications are available as an eye drop and an eye ointment. Both medications require a prescription and are not available over-the-counter. Gentak and Tobrex work by blocking bacteria from making proteins necessary for their protective covering. However, Gentak is noted for its affordability and availability in a lower-cost generic in both forms, while Tobrex only has a generic solution. Tobrex is suitable for people as young as 2 months old. Common side effects for both include temporary eye irritation, but Tobrex may also cause eyelid itching and swelling. Both medications should be used for the full prescribed duration to prevent the infection from returning or becoming harder to treat.

  • Gentamicin (Gentak)
    Tobramycin (Tobrex)
  • Gentamicin (Gentak)
    Tobramycin (Tobrex)

  • Summary of Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Gentamicin (Gentak) is a popular, affordable antibiotic for treating different types of bacterial eye infections. It comes as an eye drop and an eye ointment.

    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 Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid
    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

  • Pros and Cons of Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

    Pros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats various bacterial eye and eyelid infections
    •The ointment form requires fewer doses per day compared to most alternatives.
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •The ointment form tends to be messy and harder to put in the eye.
    •Can cause temporary eye irritation or burning
    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 Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

  • Warnings of Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •New infection
    •Irritation or allergic reaction
    •Slower healing (ointment form)
    •Contamination (spreading germs and bacteria)
    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 Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

    Learn more about Gentamicin
    Learn more about Tobramycin

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