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Compare Tobramycin vs. Erythromycin

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

Key takeaways

Tobramycin and erythromycin (Ery-tab, E.E.S.) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different classes. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, while erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Tobramycin is typically administered as an injection in a healthcare setting, whereas erythromycin is taken orally in tablet or suspension form. Tobramycin is used for serious infections like sepsis and meningitis, while erythromycin treats respiratory and skin infections. Tobramycin requires close monitoring due to potential side effects, such as hearing loss and kidney problems, whereas erythromycin commonly causes stomach-related side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.

  • Tobramycin (Tobi)
    Erythromycin
  • Tobramycin (Tobi)
    Erythromycin

  • Summary of Tobramycin vs. Erythromycin

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Tobramycin (Tobi) helps people with cystic fibrosis (CF) breathe better by controlling their Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection long term. It's inhaled through your mouth using a device (either a nebulizer or inhaler), and it can cause irritation in the mouth, throat, and lungs.

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Erythromycin is an antibiotic that's used to treat a variety of infections caused by bacteria, including certain skin and respiratory infections. The dosage depends on the specific infection you're using it for. The most common side effects are related to the stomach, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Erythromycin comes in two forms that are taken by mouth: oral tablets and an oral suspension.

  • Indications of Tobramycin vs. Erythromycin

    Indications for
    •Cystic fibrosis (CF) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection
    Indications for
    •Respiratory infections (including upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection)
    •Listeria infection
    •Skin infections
    •Pertussis (whooping cough)
    •Diphtheria infection
    •Intestinal amebiasis
    •Sexually-transmitted infections, STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)
    •Legionnaires’ Disease
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever

  • Pros and Cons of Tobramycin vs. Erythromycin

    Pros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works directly in the area where the bacterial infection is
    •Fewer serious side effects than oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics
    •Can be given to children older than 6 years of age
    Cons
    •Requires correct inhalation technique to get the full effect
    •Can cause hearing loss, so you may need regular hearing tests
    •Need to remember to start and stop taking the medication every 28 days
    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of infections
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •EES is available as an oral tablet or oral suspension
    Cons
    •Commonly causes nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Has to be taken multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Tobramycin vs. Erythromycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung reactions, including cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, "rattling" lung sounds
    •Hoarseness
    •Mouth or throat pain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea
    •Anorexia

  • Warnings of Tobramycin vs. Erythromycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty breathing
    •Hearing loss
    •Kidney injury
    •Muscle weakness
    •Harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Life-threatening changes in your heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Syphilis in infants
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis
    •Intestinal blockage in babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Tobramycin vs. Erythromycin

    Learn more about Tobramycin
    Learn more about Erythromycin

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