Tobradex

Common Name: tobramycin - dexamethasone

How does Tobradex work?

Tobramycin belongs to the class of medications called antibiotics. Dexamethasone belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids. Tobramycin - dexamethasone eye drops and tobramycin - dexamethasone eye ointment are combination medications used for the treatment of inflammatory eye conditions where bacterial eye infection or a risk of bacterial eye infection exists. Tobramyin works by killing certain types of bacteria that may cause eye infections. Dexamethasone helps to reduce eye irritation, redness, and inflammation. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Tobradex?

Drops: The usual adult dose is 1 to 2 drops instilled into the eye every four hours. In the first 24 to 48 hours, the dose may be increased to 1 or 2 drops every two hours as prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually based on improvement in your condition. Prevent contamination of the dropper by avoiding contact with the eye, skin, or other surfaces. Ointment: The usual adult dose is a 1.25 cm ribbon applied into the eye (along the edge of the lower eyelid) up to three or four times daily, or used in addition to the drops at bedtime. Avoid contamination of the dispensing tip.

What form(s) does Tobradex come in?

Tobradex® is available as eye drops and eye ointment. Suspension: Each mL of sterile, isotonic, aqueous suspension contains tobramycin 3 mg and dexamethasone 0.1% with benzalkonium chloride 0.01% as a preservative. Nonmedicinal ingredients: edetate disodium, hyroxyethyl cellulose, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and/or sulfuric acid (to adjust pH), sodium sulfate, and tyloxapol. Ointment: Each gram of sterile ophthalmic ointment contains tobramycin 3 mg and dexamethasone 0.1% with chlorobutanol 0.5% as a preservative in a mineral oil and petrolatum base.

What should I NOT take with Tobradex?

This medication should not be used by anyone who: is allergic to tobramycin, dexamethasone, or any other ingredients of the medication has vaccinia, varicella, herpes simplex, or other viral diseases of the eye has tuberculosis of the eye, fungal diseases of the eye, or acute weeping untreated infections of the eye

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Tobradex?

Allergy: Sensitivity to skin-applied aminoglycosides such as tobramycin may occur in some people. If a sensitivity reaction does occur, stop using the medication and contact the doctor. Contact lenses: If you use contact lenses, ask your doctor about their use while using this medication. Long-term use: Prolonged use of this medication may result in glaucoma, with damage to the optic nerve, vision problems, perforation of the cornea, and cataracts. Prolonged use may increase the risk of secondary eye infections (infections with microorganisms that are not killed by the medication). Overgrowth of organisms: Prolonged use of this medication may result in overgrowth of microorganisms (e.g., certain bacteria) that are not killed by the antibiotic. If there is no improvement after 5 or 7 days of therapy or if your condition worsens, call your doctor. Pregnancy: This medication should only be used by during pregnancy if clearly needed. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Nursing women should exercise caution when using this medication. If you are breast-feeding, consult your doctor. Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.