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Compare Tobradex vs. Ocuflox

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

Key takeaways

TobraDex (tobramycin/dexamethasone) and Ocuflox (ofloxacin) are both prescription eye drops 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. Ocuflox, on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that specifically targets bacterial infections without any anti-inflammatory properties. TobraDex is available in both eye drop and ointment forms, while Ocuflox is only available as eye drops. TobraDex is typically used every 4 to 6 hours, whereas Ocuflox has a more complex dosing schedule, especially for corneal ulcers, which may require application every 30 minutes initially. Both medications can cause eye irritation, but TobraDex has additional risks like increased eye pressure and cataracts with long-term use. Ocuflox can cause a temporary burning sensation and has a lower risk of corneal deposits compared to other antibiotics. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Tobradex (tobramycin / dexamethasone)
    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox)
  • Tobradex (tobramycin / dexamethasone)
    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox)

  • Summary of Tobradex vs. Ocuflox

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic / Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    TobraDex (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 Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) is an eye drop medication that's approved for use in people ages 1 year and older. It's a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal ulcers caused by bacterial infections. Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) is typically used multiple times per day, depending on the reason you need the eye drops and what day of treatment you're on. Side effects aren't common but can include a temporary burning sensation or discomfort in the eye.

  • Indications of Tobradex vs. Ocuflox

    Indications for
    •Eye inflammation from a bacterial infection in the eye
    •Eye inflammation when there's a risk for a bacterial infection in the eye
    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
    •Corneal ulcer (keratitis) that's caused by a bacterial infection

  • Pros and Cons of Tobradex vs. Ocuflox

    Pros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic / Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •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 generic
    Cons
    •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 infections
    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Directly treats where the bacterial infection is (in the eye)
    •Lower risk of corneal deposits than ciprofloxacin eye drops (Ciloxan)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must follow specific instructions and use multiple times a day
    •Can take days before you get symptom relief
    •Need to wake up in the middle of the night to use the eye drops for the first 2 days of treatment for corneal ulcers

  • Common Side Effects of Tobradex vs. Ocuflox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye irritation
    •Eye redness
    •Itchy eyelids
    •Swollen eyelids
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning sensation in the eye
    •Temporary eye discomfort

  • Warnings of Tobradex vs. Ocuflox

    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 reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eye only
    •Risk of developing new infection
    •Damage to contact lenses (when used in the eye)
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Tobradex vs. Ocuflox

    Learn more about Tobradex
    Learn more about Ofloxacin

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