Compare Tobradex vs. Gentak
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
TobraDex (tobramycin/dexamethasone) and Gentak (gentamicin) are both prescription medications used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they have some key differences. TobraDex is a combination of an aminoglycoside antibiotic (tobramycin) and a corticosteroid (dexamethasone), which means it not only fights bacteria but also reduces inflammation. In contrast, Gentak contains only gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and does not have anti-inflammatory properties. TobraDex is available in both eye drop and ointment forms, while Gentak also comes in these forms but is noted for being more affordable. TobraDex requires more frequent dosing and shaking of the bottle before use, whereas Gentak's ointment form requires fewer doses per day but can be messier to apply. Additionally, TobraDex can raise eye pressure if used for more than 10 days, while Gentak may cause eye irritation or allergic reactions. Both medications should be used as directed by your healthcare provider to avoid complications and ensure effectiveness.
- Tobradex (tobramycin / dexamethasone)Gentamicin (Gentak)
- Tobradex (tobramycin / dexamethasone)Gentamicin (Gentak)
Summary of Tobradex vs. Gentak
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.
Summary for Aminoglycoside antibioticPrescription onlyGentamicin (Gentak) is a popular, affordable antibiotic for treating different types of bacterial eye infections. It comes as an eye drop and an eye ointment.
Indications of Tobradex vs. Gentak
Indications for•Eye inflammation from a bacterial infection in the eye•Eye inflammation when there's a risk for a bacterial infection in the eyeIndications for•Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelidPros and Cons of Tobradex vs. Gentak
Pros 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 infectionsPros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibioticPros•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 formCons•The ointment form tends to be messy and harder to put in the eye.•Can cause temporary eye irritation or burningCommon Side Effects of Tobradex vs. Gentak
Common Side Effects for•Eye irritation•Eye redness•Itchy eyelids•Swollen eyelidsCommon Side Effects forSee Risks and Warnings.
Warnings of Tobradex vs. Gentak
Common 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 reactionCommon Side Effects for•New infection•Irritation or allergic reaction•Slower healing (ointment form)•Contamination (spreading germs and bacteria)Prices with our coupons for Tobradex vs. Gentak
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