Ciprodex vs. Tobradex

Are Ciprodex and Tobradex the Same Thing?

Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) and Tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) are combinations of an antibiotic and a steroid used to treat infections in different parts of the body.

Ciprodex is to treat ear infections and Tobradex is used to treat eye infections.

Side effects of Ciprodex that are different from Tobradex include discomfort, pain, or itching in the ear, or unusual taste in the mouth.

Side effects of Tobradex that are different from Ciprodex include eye redness, discomfort, burning, stinging, irritation, itching, eyelid itching/swelling, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.

Use of Tobradex for prolonged/repeated periods may result in a new fungal eye infection and may increase your risk for other eye problems (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Ciprodex?

Common side effects of Ciprodex include:

  • discomfort,
  • pain, or
  • itching in the ear, or
  • unusual taste in the mouth.

Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Ciprodex including:

  • allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips/tongue/face),
  • skin rash,
  • ear drainage,
  • ear discharge, or
  • worsening pain.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Tobradex?

Common side effects of Tobradex include:

  • eye redness,
  • discomfort,
  • burning,
  • stinging,
  • irritation,
  • itching;
  • eyelid itching/swelling,
  • blurred vision, or
  • sensitivity to light.
  • Use of Tobradex for prolonged/repeated periods may result in a new fungal eye infection and may increase your risk for other eye problems (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts).

What Is Ciprodex?

Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) is a combination of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and a steroid used to treat ear infections.

What Is Tobradex?

Tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) is a combination antibiotic and steroid used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes. Tobradex is available in generic form.

What Drugs Interact With Ciprodex?

Other drugs may interact with Ciprodex. Talk to your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Ciprodex should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Tobradex?

Tobradex may interact with oral steroid medications. Other drugs may interact with Tobradex ophthalmic. Tell your doctor all prescription or over-the-counter medicines or supplements you use. Tobradex should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Should Ciprodex Be Taken?

The usual recommended dosage of Ciprodex in patients age 6 months and older is four drops instilled into the affected ear twice daily for seven days. Do not use other ear drops during treatment with Ciprodex without first talking to your doctor.

How Should Tobradex Be Taken?

One or two drops of Tobradex ophthalmic should be instilled into the conjunctival sac(s) every four to six hours. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, the dosage may be increased to one or two drops every two (2) hours. Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Tobradex ophthalmic unless directed by your doctor.

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References
SOURCE:

DailyMed. Ciprodex Product Information.

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=895c2307-aeeb-49fd-ac3d-750a463fc3ef

DailyMed. Tobradex Product Information.

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=22b59456-d26a-4f23-b052-3d73e00181eb

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