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Tobrex vs. Quixin

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

Key takeaways

Tobrex (tobramycin) and Quixin (levofloxacin) are both antibiotic eye drops used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes of antibiotics. Tobrex is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, while Quixin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Tobrex is available in both eye drop and ointment forms and can be used for people as young as 2 months old. Quixin, on the other hand, is only available as an eye drop and is safe for children 6 years and older. Tobrex treats various bacterial eye infections, while Quixin is specifically used for bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal ulcers, with different strengths for each condition. Tobrex can cause side effects like eyelid itching and swelling, whereas Quixin may cause temporary eye burning, headaches, and changes in taste. Both medications require multiple doses per day and should be used for the full prescribed course to prevent the infection from returning.

Tobramycin

(Tobrex)

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Levofloxacin

(eye drop)

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Summary for Tobrex

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.

Indications for Tobrex

  • Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

Pros and Cons for Tobrex

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

Common Side Effects for Tobrex

See Risks and Warnings.

Warnings for Tobrex

  • New infection
  • Allergic reaction
  • Avoid contact lenses
  • Slower healing (for eye ointment only)
  • Risk of contamination (spreading germs)

Summary for Quixin

Prescription only

Levofloxacin (eye drop) is an antibiotic eye drop that's used to treat pink eye (0.5% strength) or corneal ulcers (1.5% strength) caused by bacteria. You shouldn't use it for more than a few days to treat the infection. And you'll need to use it multiple times a day for it to work.

Indications for Quixin

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) - 0.5% strength
  • Corneal ulcer - 1.5% strength

Pros and Cons for Quixin

Pros

  • Applied directly where the infection is
  • Causes fewer serious side effects than oral antibiotics
  • Safe to use in children 6 years and older

Cons

  • Has to be used multiple times a day
  • Can cause temporary eye irritation after applying
  • Might be difficult to administer for some people

Common Side Effects for Quixin

Levofloxacin (eye drop) 0.5% strength:

  • Temporary eye burning, pain, or discomfort (1-3%)
  • Temporary blurry or loss of vision (1-3%)
  • Headache (1-3%)

Levofloxacin (eye drop) 1.5% strength:

  • Headache (8-10%)
  • Change in taste (8-10%)

Warnings for Quixin

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • New infection if used too long

Prices with our coupons for Tobrex vs. Quixin

Price Card Drug Icon
Tobramycin1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.3%
$8.97$23.98
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Price Card Drug Icon
Levofloxacin1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$52.00$65.59
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