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Compare Nebcin vs. Azithromycin

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

Key takeaways

Tobramycin (generic name) and Azithromycin (brand name Zithromax) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and are used in different ways. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic given by injection, typically in a hospital or healthcare setting, and is used to treat severe infections like sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. It requires close monitoring due to potential serious side effects like hearing loss and kidney damage. On the other hand, Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic taken orally or by injection, often as a convenient Z-Pak, and is used to treat infections such as strep throat, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Azithromycin is generally taken once daily for a shorter duration (3 to 5 days) and is available in tablet, liquid, and injectable forms. While both medications can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, Azithromycin also carries risks for heart rhythm problems and liver damage. Tobramycin is more likely to be used in a controlled medical environment due to its administration method.

  • Tobramycin
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)
  • Tobramycin
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Summary of Nebcin vs. Azithromycin

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Tobramycin is an antibiotic that's used to treat several types of bacterial infections. It used to be known as the brand name Nebcin, but is now only available under the generic name tobramycin. This medication is usually given as an intravenous or IV injection into the veins in the hospital or at your provider's office. While side effects aren't common, tobramycin has serious potential risks, such as hearing loss and kidney problems. To lower your risk, your provider will closely monitor your dosage, hearing, and kidney health and measure the level of tobramycin in your blood.

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

  • Indications of Nebcin vs. Azithromycin

    Indications for
    •Sepsis due to a bloodstream infection
    •Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
    •Brain and spinal cord infections (e.g., meningitis)
    •Stomach infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Bone and joint infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    Indications for

    Adults

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a bacterial infection
    •Bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urethra or cervix infections
    •Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

    Children

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
    •Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
    •Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
    •Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)

  • Pros and Cons of Nebcin vs. Azithromycin

    Pros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat infections caused by many types of bacteria
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Dosage is carefully adjusted by your provider
    Cons
    •Might need to be given as often as every 6 hours
    •Requires close monitoring of blood tobramycin levels to check how well it's working and for safety
    •Might worsen medical conditions such as kidney, nervous system, hearing, or muscle problems
    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
    •Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
    •Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Common Side Effects of Nebcin vs. Azithromycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •See Other Side Effects.
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (4-5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    •Vomiting (1-6%)
    •Stomach pain (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Nebcin vs. Azithromycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of nervous system side effects and hearing loss
    •Kidney problems
    •Risk of harm to unborn babies
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
    •Doesn't treat syphilis

  • Prices with our coupons for Nebcin vs. Azithromycin

    Learn more about Tobramycin
    Learn more about Azithromycin

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