Tobradex

Generic name: Tobramycin And Dexamethasone Ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids with anti-infectives

Usage of 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.

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.

Before taking Tobradex

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.

Relate drugs

How to 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.

Warnings

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 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.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.