What is Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution USP used for?

Tobramycin ophthalmic solution is an aminoglycoside antibiotic also known by the brand name Tobradex, which is used to treat bacterial eye infections. It works by killing susceptible bacteria that cause infections by blocking bacterial protein synthesis. It will not work for any other kind of infection. Susceptible bacteria die due to a lack of functional proteins. Tobramycin is available as a 0.3% ophthalmic solution (eye drops and ointment). A clinical survey says that Tobramycin is used to eliminate Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients.

Tobramycin is a strong medicine advised by only a physical consultant or a specialized eye doctor, it cannot be bought from a pharmacy directly without a prescription or from any online store.

Way of using Tobramycin ophthalmic Solution

Usage of – Eye drop

Washing hands before using this medication are surely recommended. Do not touch the tip of the dropper, close it after use, to avoid contamination. Wearing contact lenses can give you other or worse or maybe no effect while using the eye drop, kindly consult your doctor before using them. Let yourself know the proper way to use an eyedrop- Tilt your head back a little, and pull down your lower eyelid to make space(Pouch). Place the dropper just above the eye and place one drop at a time, and gently close your eyes for 2,3 minutes to get relaxed. The eye drops are usually applied every 4 to 6 hours to the infected eyes. Do not rub your eyes just after the use of the drop, and try not to blink your eyes. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed, and if for more than 1 drop.

Usage of – Ointment

Wash hands before and after use of Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution, and squeeze the end of the tube to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of the lower eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the ointment, and tilt your head back a little to create a pouch to apply the ointment. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Be careful not to use more than recommended and at a fixed interval of time. You should wait for at least 10 minutes if you are using any other kind of eye medication, usually, doctors recommend one at a time, so confirm with your consulting doctor before proceeding ahead.

Note: You should continue using eye drops or ointment for seven consecutive days unless your doctor has advised you otherwise.

Benefits of Tobramycin Ophthalmic 

Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution eyedrop is an antibiotic medication that usually works by stopping the growth of the bacteria that causes infection. It works in curing the redness, itchiness, or pain in the eye due to the bacteria’s infectious effect on your eye. The dosage and regularity are recommended by the specialist based on the condition of your infection, do complete the course of action as suggested by him by taking timely drops or ointment for your eye. The powerful medication will lower the chances of the infection affecting the back.

Side effects of Tobramycin ophthalmic

As every ointment or eye drop can have a side effect, Tobramycin can have too, when used more than advised by your doctor. Some of the common side effects may include:

• Eye burning after the use of eye drop or ointment (it can occur for a few seconds normally but if it persists kindly consult your doctor for the same)
• Stinging may be another effect that can be felt after the application of ointment or the drop, keep in mind to not use more than required.
• Readiness in the eye can be a result of more itching and rubbing (washing your hands before and after usage is recommended)
• Discomfort sounds common but can last for more than minutes. Try consulting your doctor if so.
• Tobramycin Ophthalmic solution can also cause swelling of the eyelids sometimes and itching in the eyelid.
• The worst effect can be the sensitivity of your eyes to light or weak eyesight.

Keep monitoring such effects and consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Note: Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods can also result in fungal eye infection, so do not use it more or for a longer time as prescribed.

Toxicity of this medication

Tobramycin toxicity information isn’t available readily. Patients experiencing overdose are likely at a high risk to get severely affected by ototoxicity, neuromuscular blockade, or high respiratory failure. Supportive measures like hemodialysis may help clear excess tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution.
Aminoglycosides can get absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract in case of accidental ingestion of tobramycin. It can rest affect any body part in the gastrointestinal system, including the esophagus, mouth, throat, rectum, small and large intestine, and anus, and can directly affect the digestive system.

Special precautions to follow

Before using the Tobramycin Ophthalmic eye drop or ointment

• Your pharmacist or doctor should know if you are allergic to tobramycin Ophthalmic solution, other antibiotics, or any other drugs.
• Your pharmacist or doctor should know about your other medications especially other eye medications and vitamins
• Your doctor should know if you are using contact lenses, which you should not wear at the time of infection and medication.
• Your doctor should know if you are pregnant or planning to become, or are breastfeeding. Let your doctor know in case you take it at the time of any such conditions.
• Your vision should get blurred, so do not attempt any such activity.
• You should not breastfeed while taking this medication, as while doing it, it can pass through and affect the nursing baby. It has proven to be used for children under 2 years.

Missing or Overdose of This Medicine 

• In case you have missed the dose of tobramycin. If you remember, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Don’t take the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use additional medications to make up for the missed dose.

• In case you overdosed, an overdose of this medicine is not expected dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call at Poison helpline number, if anybody has accidentally swallowed this medication.

Things to know about storage and disposal 

Keep the container tightly closed in the package it came in and especially out of the reach of children. Store Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution away from excess heat and moisture and also at room temperature. Used or not needed medicines should be safely disposed of off to ensure that it does not come into contact with or consumption by pets, children, or maybe anyone else. The best way to choose to dispose of is through a medicine take-back program. Learn more about it through your pharmacist or contact your local recycling department. It is definitely important to keep the containers out of reach of children to avoid misuse of it. Mostly the containers are not child-resistant, so they can open or try it easily.

Store in the refrigerator but do not freeze it, if not keep it away from sunlight or direct heat or in the foil pouch at room temperature for about a maximum of 28 days. Do not use it more than that.  There are some other medications also available for the treatment of bacterial infections such as Ofloxacin Eye Drops, Timolol eye drop, and so on.

Drugs that can interact with Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution

It is not likely that other drugs you take will have an effect on tobramycin used in the eyes, orally or by injection. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your consulting doctor, advisor, or your pharmacist about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Ayurvedic products. Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution has seen interaction with Salmeterol, Atrovent, Keppra, Lasix, Creon, etc.

Medical Disclaimer

We have tried our best to give every possible information about Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution which we mean to be correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as instruction from a healthcare professional. Patients should consult their doctor before consuming Prednisone, and avoid overdose or improper consumption. In case of any side effects be it short-term or long-term, kindly immediately call up your doctor for changing the dosage or medication of the treatments.

Hope the above information is useful to you. Leave a comment below in case of any issues with the content or information. In the US– You can call up your medical consultant or a doctor for advice about side effects, you may also report FDA at 1-800 FDA-1088