Tobradex vs. Maxitrol

Tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) and Maxitrol (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) are combinations of antibiotics and steroids used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Side effects of Tobradex and Maxitrol that are similar include eye redness, discomfort, burning, stinging, irritation, itching; eyelid itching/swelling, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

Use of Tobradex and Maxitrol 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).

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

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 Maxitrol include:

• stinging/burning of the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes when Maxitrol is applied,
• irritation,
• itching,
• redness,
• blurred vision,
• eyelid itching,
• eyelid swelling, or
• sensitivity to light.

Serious side effects are generally not expected with Maxitrol. Use of Maxitrol for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new fungal eye infection and may increase your risk for other eye problems (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, delayed wound healing). Do not use Maxitrol for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you experience unlikely but serious side effects of Maxitrol including new or worsening eye symptoms (e.g., discharge, swelling, redness), vision problems, or eye pain.

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

Maxitrol (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone) Ophthalmic Suspension Sterile is a combination of two antibiotics and a steroid used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

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.

Avoid other eye medications unless approved by your doctor. Before using Maxitrol, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others). Other drugs may also interact with Maxitrol. Talk to your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. During pregnancy, Maxitrol should be used only when prescribed. It is not known if this drug passes 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.

One to two drops in the conjunctival sac(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. Avoid other eye medications unless approved by your doctor.