Two medicines, side by side
Ofloxacin vs tobramycin
Ofloxacin and tobramycin are both labeled for bacterial infections. Drugs@FDA records approvals of ofloxacin since 1990 and of tobramycin since 1975. Pharmacies paid $1.24 per mL (Ofloxacin 0.3% 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, ofloxacin is a quinolone antimicrobial and tobramycin an aminoglycoside antibacterial.
Check it at the source: the ofloxacin FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 18, 2024); the tobramycin FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 1, 2023).
Highlights of the ofloxacin record
Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) · label of July 18, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationsOfloxacin otic solution, 0.3% is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible isolates of the designated microorganisms in the specific conditions listed below: Otitis Externa in adults and pediatric patients, 6 months and older, due to Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 28, 1990
- Generic labelers
- 30 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.24 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 5
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 (Ofloxacin label of July 18, 2024, Tobramycin label of November 1, 2023); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do ofloxacin and tobramycin differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, ofloxacin is a quinolone antimicrobial and tobramycin an aminoglycoside antibacterial.
Generics: ofloxacin since 2002; tobramycin since 1976 (Drugs@FDA).
| Ofloxacin | Tobramycin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bacterial infections | Bacterial infections, Urinary tract infections |
| Pharmacologic class | Quinolone Antimicrobial | Aminoglycoside Antibacterial |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | December 28, 1990 | June 11, 1975 |
| First generic approved | January 16, 2002 | October 1, 1976 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 30 labelers | 40 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $1.24 per mL (Ofloxacin 0.3% eye drops) | $1.08 per mL (Tobramycin 300 mg/5 mL ampule) |
| 12-month price change | -23% | -26% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
| Recalls recorded | 5 | 8 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 7,263 | 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 ofloxacin
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions