Bacterial infections of the eye and eye-inflammation are common and easy to treat. One of the most common types of bacterial infection is “pink eye”, also known as Bacterial conjunctivitis. This can happen when bacteria gets in the eye and infects the eye. The bacteria can be spread by coming into contact with someone with an infection, being exposed to contaminated surfaces or from a sinus or ear infection.
Your doctor may prescribe either eye drops or ointment. Since these antibiotics are administered directly into the eye, some of the unpleasant side effects of an antibiotic are avoided, such as stomach-upset and diarrhea. Two common medications to treat this condition are TobraDex Ointment and Vigamox. There are many similarities between the two medications and some differences.
TobraDex Ointment
Your doctor may prescribe TobraDex Ointment to treat bacterial infections of the eye as well as eye inflammation. It is a combined antibiotic: tobramycin and steroid: dexamethasone. The antibiotic works to kill bacteria, and the steroid works to reduce swelling, redness and irritation. It is in a gel form meant for easy application and to prevent the medication from dripping out of the patient's eye.
How To Use TobraDex Ointment
When using the ointment, tilt your head back, and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Place a thin layer into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around to spread the ointment around for 1 to 2 minutes. Make sure it has spread around our entire eye. Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wear contact lenses when using this medication. Continue with the medication even if you begin to feel better, since it is an antibiotic.
Side Effects Of TobraDex Ointment
Serious side effects should not happen when taking this medication. Patients may experience some burning, irritation, itching, eyelid swelling or itching, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Fungal infections of the cornea can occur with prolonged use. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Drug Interactions With TobraDex Ointment
There is an interaction with other eye drops containing corticosteroids, such as prednisolone eye drops.
Vigamox
Vigamox is another option to treat bacterial infections of the eye as well as bacterial conjunctivitis. It will not treat fungal or viral infections of the eye. Vigamox uses the antibiotic Moxifloxacin. Vigamox comes in a liquid eye drop form. It is designed in an eye drop form so that it can flush the eye and stay in the eye. It may drip out if not applied properly or if you move or do not tilt your head back properly. Some patients prefer the drop form since it is more familiar to them.
How To Use Vigamox
Do not use with contact lense. Wash your hands and remove contact lenses before putting in your eye. Ask your doctor about wearing contact lenses after the drops have been administered. To use the eye drops, tilt your head back. Carefully and gently pull down on your lower eyelid to form a pocket. Hold the eye dropper above your eye with the dropper facing down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out one drop at a time. Afterwards, close your eyes for about 2 or 3 minutes, tipping your head slightly down. Try not to squint or blink and then gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about a minute, to keep the medication from draining into your tear duct. Do not have the dropper make direct contact with your eye and make sure it is clean before using.
Side Effects of Vigamox
Serious side effects are not expected to occur when using Vigamox. Some side effects users may experience are watery eyes, blurred vision, dryness, pain, redness, itching, burning, stinging, and irritation of the eye. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Drug Interactions With Vigamox
Drug interaction studies have not yet been conducted with Vigamox.
If your symptoms persist or are bothersome after finishing all doses of the medication, talk to your doctor. As with all antibiotics, finish the entire course of treatment, even if you begin to feel better right away.
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