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Compare Vigamox vs. Tobrex

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

Key takeaways

Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) and tobramycin (Tobrex) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes. Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, while tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Moxifloxacin is typically used for bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and is applied as eye drops three times a day for seven days. Tobramycin, on the other hand, treats various bacterial eye and eyelid infections and is available as both eye drops and ointment. The dosing for tobramycin varies based on the severity of the infection, with more frequent applications for severe cases. Common side effects of both medications include eye itching, swelling, and redness. Both medications are available in generic forms and should be used for the full prescribed duration to prevent the infection from returning.

  • Moxifloxacin (Vigamox)
    Tobramycin (Tobrex)
  • Moxifloxacin (Vigamox)
    Tobramycin (Tobrex)

  • Summary of Vigamox vs. Tobrex

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people of all ages. It's an eye drop that's placed in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day for 7 days. Side effects aren't common but can include dry eye, eye pain, eye redness, and itchy eyes. This medication is available as a brand-name and generic version.

    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.

  • Indications of Vigamox vs. Tobrex

    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
    Indications for
    •Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

  • Pros and Cons of Vigamox vs. Tobrex

    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Can typically start to improve symptoms in a few days
    •Generally used less often during the day than alternatives
    •Safe to use in children and infants
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to use 3 times a day
    •Can cause eye discomfort
    •Might be difficult for some people to use properly
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Vigamox vs. Tobrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye inflammation or redness (up to 6%)
    •Blurry vision (up to 6%)
    •Dry eye (up to 6%)
    •Eye irritation, pain, or itching (up to 6%)
    •Watery eye (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

  • Warnings of Vigamox vs. Tobrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eye only
    •Risk of developing new infection
    •Don't wear contact lenses
    •Severe allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •New infection
    •Allergic reaction
    •Avoid contact lenses
    •Slower healing (for eye ointment only)
    •Risk of contamination (spreading germs)

  • Prices with our coupons for Vigamox vs. Tobrex

    Learn more about Moxifloxacin
    Learn more about Tobramycin

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