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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)

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Erythromycin

 

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Summary for Tobramycin

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.

Indications for Tobramycin

  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection

Pros and Cons for Tobramycin

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

Common Side Effects for Tobramycin

  • Lung reactions, including cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, "rattling" lung sounds
  • Hoarseness
  • Mouth or throat pain

Warnings for Tobramycin

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hearing loss
  • Kidney injury
  • Muscle weakness
  • Harm to unborn baby

Summary for Erythromycin

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 for Erythromycin

Pros and Cons for Erythromycin

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 for Erythromycin

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Anorexia

Warnings for Erythromycin

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Tobramycin1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.3%
$8.97$23.98
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Price Card Drug Icon
Erythromycin1 tube / 3.5g of 0.5%
$11.79$11.98
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