Tobradex vs. Maxidex

• Are Tobradex and Maxidex the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Tobradex?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Maxidex?
• What Is Tobradex?
• What Is Maxidex?
• What Drugs Interact with Tobradex?
• What Drugs Interact with Maxidex?
• How Should Tobradex Be Taken?
• How Should Maxidex Be Taken?

Tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) and Maxidex (dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) are used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Maxidex is also used to treat steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe such as allergic conjunctivitis; acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, cyclitis; corneal injury from chemical, radiation, or thermal burns; and penetration of foreign bodies.

Tobradex and Maxidex both contain a steroid. Tobradex also contains an antibiotic.

Side effects of Tobradex that are different from include eye redness, discomfort, burning, stinging, irritation, itching; eyelid itching/swelling, blurred vision, and 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).

Side effects of Maxidex that are different from Tobradex include glaucoma with optic nerve damage, vision problems, cataracts, secondary eye infection following suppression of host response, and perforation of the outer membranes of the eye.

Tobradex may interact with other eye drops or eye medications or oral steroids.

Maxidex may interact with other drugs.

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).

Common side effects of Maxidex include:

• glaucoma with optic nerve damage,
• vision problems,
• cataracts,
• secondary eye infection following suppression of host response,
• and perforation of the outer membranes of the eye.

Tobradex (tobradex b sulfate) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, meningitis, blood infections, and eye infections.

Maxidex (dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) 0.1% Suspension is an adrenocortical steroid used for:

• steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva,
• cornea,
• and anterior segment of the globe such as allergic conjunctivitis,
• acne rosacea,
• superficial punctate keratitis,
• herpes zoster keratitis,
• iritis,
• cyclitis,
• selected infective conjunctivitides when the inherent hazard of steroid use is accepted to obtain an advisable diminution in edema and inflammation;
• corneal injury from chemical,
• radiation,
• or thermal burns,
• or penetration of foreign bodies.

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.

Maxidex may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Maxidex; it is unknown how it would affect a fetus. Prolonged or repeated corticoid use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of delayed fetal growth. It is unknown if topical Maxidex passes into breast milk in sufficient quantities to affect a nursing infant. Systemically administered corticosteroids pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

The dose of Maxidex is one or two drops topically in the eye(s). In severe disease, drops may be used hourly, being tapered to discontinuation as the inflammation subsides. In mild disease, drops may be used up to four to six times daily.