Tobradex (Tobramycin/dexamethasone)

Tobradex ophthalmic

What is Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Tobradex ophthalmic 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.

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

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 Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic 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 Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic 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 Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic.

It is not known whether Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic 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 Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Use Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic 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 Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic) may cause glaucoma, nerve damage in the eye, or cataract formation.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.

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.
  
• Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper 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 Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle 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 Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic is unlikely to occur. 

Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic side effects

Serious side effects are not expected to occur with the use of Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic.

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

Long-term use of Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic could lead to glaucoma, nerve damage in the eye, or cataract formation.

What other drugs will affect Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Before using Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic, 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 Tobramycin and Dexamethasone ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Further information

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.