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Compare Tobrex vs. Besivance

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

Key takeaways

Tobrex (tobramycin) and Besivance (besifloxacin) are both prescription eye drops used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes of antibiotics. Tobrex is an aminoglycoside antibiotic available in both brand-name and generic forms, while Besivance is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and is only available as a brand-name medication. Tobrex can be used for people as young as 2 months old and comes in both eye drop and ointment forms, whereas Besivance is approved for use in children 1 year and older and is only available as eye drops. Tobrex is typically used multiple times per day, with the frequency depending on the severity of the infection, while Besivance is used three times per day for 7 days. Common side effects of Tobrex include eyelid itching, swelling, and eye redness, whereas Besivance may cause temporary eye redness or irritation. Both medications should be used for the full prescribed duration to prevent the infection from returning or becoming harder to treat.

  • Tobramycin (Tobrex)
    Besivance (besifloxacin)
  • Tobramycin (Tobrex)
    Besivance (besifloxacin)

  • Summary of Tobrex vs. Besivance

    Summary for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Tobramycin (Tobrex) is an antibiotic that's used to treat different types of bacterial eye infections. It can be used for people ages 2 months and older. Tobramycin (Tobrex) comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) and eye ointment that are used multiple times per day. It's available in both brand-name and generic versions. The most common side effects include eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, and eye redness. Like with all antibiotics, you shouldn't stop treatment too early because your infection could come back or get harder to treat.

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Besivance is a prescription eye drop used to treat bacterial pink eye in adults and children 1 year of age and older. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone antibiotic class. The dosage is typically 1 drop three times per day for 7 days to treat the eye infection. Currently it's available only as a brand-name medication as a generic is not yet available. Side effects aren't common, but include eye redness.

  • Indications of Tobrex vs. Besivance

    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid
    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people ages 1 year and older

  • Pros and Cons of Tobrex vs. Besivance

    Pros and Const for Aminoglycoside antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats various bacterial eye and eyelid infections
    •Ointment form requires fewer doses per day than most alternatives
    •Eye drop form is available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause temporary eye irritation
    •Might require more frequent dosing throughout the day for severe infections
    •Ointment form tends to be messy and harder to put in the eye
    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Applied directly to the eye to target the infection
    •Side effects aren't common and are usually mild
    •Can be used in children as young as 1 year old
    Cons
    •Can cause temporary eye redness or irritation
    •Can take days before you get symptom relief
    •No lower-cost generic is available

  • Common Side Effects of Tobrex vs. Besivance

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye redness (2%)

  • Warnings of Tobrex vs. Besivance

    Common Side Effects for
    •New infection
    •Allergic reaction
    •Avoid contact lenses
    •Slower healing (for eye ointment only)
    •Risk of contamination (spreading germs)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Only for use on the surface of the eye
    •New or worsening eye infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Tobrex vs. Besivance

    Learn more about Tobramycin
    Learn more about Besivance

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