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Compare Tobrex vs. Zylet

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

Key takeaways

Tobrex (tobramycin) and Zylet (loteprednol/tobramycin) are both used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they have some key differences. Tobrex is an aminoglycoside antibiotic available in both eye drop and ointment forms, and it is used solely to treat bacterial infections in the eye. It is available in generic form, making it a more affordable option. Zylet, on the other hand, is a combination of an antibiotic (tobramycin) and a corticosteroid (loteprednol). This combination helps treat both bacterial infections and inflammation in the eye. Zylet is only available as a brand-name medication and can be more expensive. Additionally, Zylet carries a risk of increasing eye pressure and causing eye injury if used for a long time, while Tobrex does not have these risks. Both medications require a prescription and should be used as directed by your healthcare provider.

  • Tobramycin (Tobrex)
    Zylet (loteprednol / tobramycin)
  • Tobramycin (Tobrex)
    Zylet (loteprednol / tobramycin)

  • Summary of Tobrex vs. Zylet

    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 Corticosteroid / Antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Zylet is a combination eye drop medication that contains two active ingredients: loteprednol and tobramycin. It's approved for use in people 7 years and older to treat bacterial eye infections, like pink eye, and related eye redness and swelling (inflammation). The corticosteroid (or steroid), loteprednol, helps lessen eye inflammation and the aminoglycoside antibiotic, tobramycin, fights off bacteria causing the eye infection. Zylet eye drops are placed directly into the affected eye(s) every 4 to 6 hours. Side effects include eye irritation and headache.

  • Indications of Tobrex vs. Zylet

    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid
    Indications for
    •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 of Tobrex vs. Zylet

    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 Corticosteroid / Antibiotic
    Pros
    •Relieves eye inflammation and treats the bacteria eye infection at the same time
    •Conveniently combines two medications into a single product
    •Applied directly to the eyes (where the inflammation and infection is)
    Cons
    •Need to use multiple times per day
    •Might be difficult for some people to use properly
    •Not available as a lower-cost generic; brand-name medication only

  • Common Side Effects of Tobrex vs. Zylet

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Redness and swelling of the cornea of the eye (15%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Higher eye pressure (10%)
    •Burning and stinging sensation in the eye (9%)

  • Warnings of Tobrex vs. Zylet

    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
    •For use in the eye only
    •Eye infections and eye problems when used for a long time
    •Slow healing of the eye after an eye procedure
    •Possible eye injury or damage
    •Don't wear contact lenses
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Tobrex vs. Zylet

    Learn more about Tobramycin
    Learn more about Zylet

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