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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
    Tobramycin (Tobrex)
  • Gentamicin
    Tobramycin (Tobrex)

  • Summary of Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Gentamicin is a topical antibiotic that treats bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo. It comes as a cream that's useful for wet, oozing, or greasy skin infections. There's also a topical ointment for infections on dry skin. Both forms are applied on the skin 3 to 4 times a day. Gentamicin can be used on adults and children over 1 year of age. Most people don't have many side effects when used as directed. But it's possible to have mild skin irritation, like redness and itching.

    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
    •Impetigo
    •Other bacterial skin infections
    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 skin infections, including severe acne or impetigo
    •Very few side effects, so it's safe for most people if used as directed
    •Might be a good option for people who are sensitive to Neosporin
    Cons
    •Applied many times a day
    •Can cause temporary skin irritation
    •Need a prescription from a healthcare professional
    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
    •Side effects aren't common. See "Other Side Effects."
    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

  • Warnings of Gentamicin vs. Tobrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of other skin infections
    •Allergic reaction
    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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