Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Ofloxacin

(Ocuflox)

Get free coupons

Summary for Tobradex

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.

Indications for Tobradex

  • Eye inflammation from a bacterial infection in the eye
  • Eye inflammation when there's a risk for a bacterial infection in the eye

Pros and Cons for Tobradex

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

Common Side Effects for Tobradex

  • Eye irritation
  • Eye redness
  • Itchy eyelids
  • Swollen eyelids

Warnings for Tobradex

  • 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

Summary for Ocuflox

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 for Ocuflox

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Corneal ulcer (keratitis) that's caused by a bacterial infection

Pros and Cons for Ocuflox

Pros

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 for Ocuflox

  • Temporary burning sensation in the eye
  • Temporary eye discomfort

Warnings for Ocuflox

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Tobramycin/Dexamethasone1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.3%/0.1%
$28.07$50.26
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Ofloxacin1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.3%
$16.26-
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.