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Tobrex vs. Tobradex

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

Key takeaways

Tobrex (tobramycin) and Tobradex (tobramycin/dexamethasone) are both used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they have some key differences. Tobrex is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that fights bacterial infections by blocking protein production and damaging the bacteria's protective covering. It comes in both eye drops and ointment forms and is available as a generic. Tobradex, on the other hand, combines tobramycin with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. This combination makes Tobradex effective not only for bacterial infections but also for reducing eye inflammation. However, Tobradex requires careful monitoring if used for more than 10 days due to the risk of increased eye pressure and other side effects. Unlike Tobrex, Tobradex must be shaken before use. Both medications require a prescription and should be used as directed by your healthcare provider.

Tobramycin

(Tobrex)

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TobraDex

(tobramycin / dexamethasone)

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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 Tobradex

Prescription only

TobraDex (tobramycin / dexamethasone) is available as eye drops and an eye ointment. It's used to treat and relieve bacterial eye infections. This medication contains tobramycin (an aminoglycoside antibiotic that helps fight the infection) and dexamethasone (a corticosteroid that helps lower eye inflammation). Most people have few to no side effects from the medication when they use it as directed. But the medication can raise your eye pressure if you use it for more than 10 days.

Indications for Tobradex

  • Eye inflammation from a bacterial infection in the eye
  • Eye inflammation when there's a risk for a bacterial infection in the eye

Pros and Cons for Tobradex

Pros

  • Relieves eye inflammation and treats bacterial eye infection at the same time
  • Combines two medications into one eye product for convenience
  • Applied directly where the infection is (in the eye)
  • Is safe and work wells for children as young as 2 years old
  • Eye drops are available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Need to use multiple times a day
  • Must shake the eye drop bottle before each use, which can be easy to forget
  • Can cause eye irritation or allergic reactions for some people
  • Requires an eye exam after 10 days of use to check your eye pressure
  • Only treats some bacterial eye infections; it doesn't treat fungal or viral infections

Common Side Effects for Tobradex

  • Eye irritation
  • Eye redness
  • Itchy eyelids
  • Swollen eyelids

Warnings for Tobradex

  • Only use on the surface of the eye
  • Higher eye pressure
  • New or worsened eye infections
  • New eye problems (e.g., injury, cataracts)
  • Possible allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Tobrex vs. Tobradex

Price Card Drug Icon
Tobramycin1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.3%
$8.97$23.98
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Tobramycin/Dexamethasone1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.3%/0.1%
$28.07$50.26
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