Tobradex

Common use

Tobradex eye drops is used to treat bacterial infections or inflammation of the eyes. 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.

Dosage and direction

Do not use the eye drops 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. 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.

Precautions

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.

Contraindications

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.

Possible side effect

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.

Drug interaction

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).

Missed 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.

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.

Storage

Store Tobradex at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped. Do not use eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Keep away from children and pets.