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Tobradex

(tobramycin - dexamethasone)

In this factsheet:
• How does Tobradex work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Tobradex?
• What form(s) does Tobradex come in?
• Who should NOT take Tobradex?
• What side effects are possible with Tobradex?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Tobradex?
• What other drugs could interact with Tobradex?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Tobradex work? What will it do for me?

Tobramycin - dexamethasone eye drops and ointment are combination medications used for the treatment of inflammatory eye conditions where bacterial eye infection or a risk of bacterial eye infection exists.

Tobramycin belongs to the class of medications called antibiotics. It works by killing certain types of bacteria that may cause eye infections.

Dexamethasone belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids. It helps to reduce eye irritation, redness, and inflammation.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. 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.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Tobradex?

Drops: The usual adult dose is 1 to 2 drops instilled into the eye every 4 hours. In the first 24 to 48 hours, the dose may be increased to 1 or 2 drops every 2 hours as prescribed by your 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 (one-half inch) ribbon applied into the eye (along the edge of the lower eyelid) up to 3 or 4 times daily, or used in addition to the drops at bedtime. Prevent contamination of the tip of the ointment container by avoiding contact with the eye, skin, or other surfaces.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Tobradex come in?

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.

Who should NOT take Tobradex?

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to tobramycin, dexamethasone, or any ingredients of this medication
• have just had a foreign body (object) removed from your eye
• have tuberculosis of the eye, fungal diseases of the eye, or acute weeping untreated infections of the eye
• have vaccinia, varicella, herpes simplex, or other viral diseases of the eye

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