Two medicines, side by side
Moxifloxacin vs tobramycin
Moxifloxacin and tobramycin are both labeled for bacterial infections. Drugs@FDA records approvals of moxifloxacin since 1999 and of tobramycin since 1975. Pharmacies paid $1.60 per mL (Moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops) and $1.08 per mL (Tobramycin 300 mg/5 mL ampule) (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial and tobramycin an aminoglycoside antibacterial.
Check it at the source: the moxifloxacin FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 17, 2026); the tobramycin FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 1, 2023).
Highlights of the moxifloxacin record
Moxifloxacin (Avelox) · label of March 17, 2026
SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS INCLUDING TENDINITIS, TENDON RUPTURE, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS andEXACERBATION OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS Fluoroquinolones, including moxifloxacin tablets, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that have occurred together [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )], including: Tendinitis and tendon rupture [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Peripheral neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (
Used for
From the label: indicationsMoxifloxacin tablets are a fluoroquinolone antibacterial indicated for treating infections in adults 18 years of age and older caused by designated susceptible bacteria, in the conditions listed below: Community Acquired Pneumonia ( 1.1 ) Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Uncomplicated ( 1.2 ) and Complicated ( 1.3 ) Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections ( 1.4 ) Plague ( 1.5 ) Acute Bacterial Sinusitis ( 1.6 ) […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 10, 1999
- Generic labelers
- 32 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.60 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 10
Highlights of the tobramycin record
Tobramycin (Tobi) · label of November 1, 2023
Used for
From the label: indicationsTobramycin ophthalmic solution, 0.3% is a topical antibiotic indicated in the treatment of external infections of the eye and its adnexa caused by susceptible bacteria. Appropriate monitoring of bacterial response to topical antibiotic therapy should accompany the use of tobramycin ophthalmic solution. Clinical studies have shown tobramycin to be safe and effective for use in children.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- June 11, 1975
- Generic labelers
- 40 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.08 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 8
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Moxifloxacin label of March 17, 2026, Tobramycin label of November 1, 2023); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do moxifloxacin and tobramycin differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial and tobramycin an aminoglycoside antibacterial.
Only the moxifloxacin label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: moxifloxacin since 2014; tobramycin since 1976 (Drugs@FDA).
| Moxifloxacin | Tobramycin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bacterial infections | Bacterial infections, Urinary tract infections |
| Pharmacologic class | Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial, Quinolone Antimicrobial | Aminoglycoside Antibacterial |
| How it works (label) | Moxifloxacin is a member of the fluoroquinolone class of antibacterial agents [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )]. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | The mean (± SD) elimination half-life from plasma is 12 ± 1.3 hours; steady-state is achieved after at least three days with a 400 mg once daily regimen. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | December 10, 1999 | June 11, 1975 |
| First generic approved | February 18, 2014 | October 1, 1976 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 32 labelers | 40 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $1.60 per mL (Moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops) | $1.08 per mL (Tobramycin 300 mg/5 mL ampule) |
| 12-month price change | -14% | -26% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | A presentation being discontinued |
| Recalls recorded | 10 | 8 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 20,168 | 24,368 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to moxifloxacin
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions