Tobradex

What is Tobradex?

Tobradex contains a combination of tobramycin and dexamethasone. Tobramycin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.

Dexamethasone is a steroid. Dexamethasone ophthalmic is used to treat the swelling associated with bacterial infections of the eye.

Tobradex is used to treat bacterial infections or inflammation of the eyes. It is available as an ointment and a liquid suspension.

Tobradex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Contact your doctor if the symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in the condition after a few days.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

What should I discuss with my doctor before using?

Do not use Tobradex if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye, such as herpes, vaccinia, or varicella. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Do not use Tobradex for mycobacterial infections of the eye.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any aminoglycoside antibiotics (including gentamicin, streptomycin, tobramycin, others). This may cause an allergic reaction to Tobradex.

It is not known whether Tobradex will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Tobradex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether tobramycin or dexamethasone passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Tobradex?

Use Tobradex eye drops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Do not use the eye drops or ointment longer than your doctor recommends. Long-term treatment with steroids (such as in Tobradex) may cause glaucoma, nerve damage in the eye, or cataract formation.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops or ointment.

To apply the eye drops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.

To apply the ointment:

• Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before application of the other medication.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store Tobradex at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Tobradex is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose or if the medication has been ingested, contact an emergency room or Poison Control Center for advice.

What should I avoid?

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tobradex may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with Tobradex. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Tobradex unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Tobradex side effects

Serious side effects are not expected to occur with the use of Tobradex.

Some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, or sensitivity to light may occur.

Long-term use of Tobradex could lead to glaucoma, nerve damage in the eye, or cataract formation.

This is not a complete list of Tobradex side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Tobradex?

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Tobradex unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Before using Tobradex, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Tobradex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Further information

• Your pharmacist has additional information about Tobradex written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.