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Ilotycin vs. Tobrex

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

Key takeaways

Erythromycin (Ilotycin) and Tobramycin (Tobrex) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, while Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Erythromycin is typically used as an eye ointment and can be applied up to 6 times a day, whereas Tobramycin is available as both eye drops and ointment, with the drops used every 4 hours for mild infections and more frequently for severe ones. Erythromycin is often used to prevent pink eye in newborns, while Tobramycin is suitable for people aged 2 months and older. Common side effects of Erythromycin include mild eye irritation and redness, while Tobramycin can cause eyelid itching, swelling, and eye redness. Both medications should be used as directed by your healthcare provider to avoid the risk of new or worsened infections.

erythromycin eye ointment

 

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Tobramycin

(Tobrex)

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Summary for Ilotycin

Prescription only

Erythromycin eye ointment is used to treat and prevent various bacterial eye infections, including pink eye in newborns. The typical dosage for this medication is to apply it in the affected eye(s) up to 6 times a day. Most people experience few to no side effects while using erythromycin eye ointment as directed.

Indications for Ilotycin

Pros and Cons for Ilotycin

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Applied directly where the infection is (in the eye)
  • Can use in newborns
  • Generally well-tolerated with mild side effects

Cons

  • Might need to be used up to 6 times a day
  • Only treats some bacterial eye infections; it doesn't treat fungal or viral infections
  • Harder to apply than eye drops
  • Can temporarily cause blurry vision after application

Common Side Effects for Ilotycin

  • Mild eye irritations
  • Eye redness

Warnings for Ilotycin

  • Only use on eye surface
  • New or worsened eye infections
  • Allergic reaction to antibiotics

Summary for Tobrex

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 for Tobrex

  • Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

Pros and Cons for Tobrex

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 for Tobrex

See Risks and Warnings.

Warnings for Tobrex

  • New infection
  • Allergic reaction
  • Avoid contact lenses
  • Slower healing (for eye ointment only)
  • Risk of contamination (spreading germs)

Prices with our coupons for Ilotycin vs. Tobrex

Price Card Drug Icon
Erythromycin1 tube / 3.5g of 0.5%
$11.79$11.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Tobramycin1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.3%
$8.97$9.35
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