Tobramycin: Indications, Precautions, Side Effects, Interactions and Dosing

Like other Aminoglycosides, it is used to treat severe systemic infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.

Indications and clinical uses

It is often administered simultaneously with beta-lactam antibiotics to produce a synergistic effect.

The infections treated include pneumonia and soft tissue infections. Animal use has been derived mainly from practical help and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic information like many antibiotics.

Tobramycin has also been used topically. It has been used in nebulization solutions for respiratory infections.

For nebulization, there is a unique formulation used in people who do not contain preservatives and is intended to treat infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis.

After administration via this route, Tobramycin remains concentrated mainly in the respiratory tract, and plasma or serum concentrations are deficient and are unlikely to cause toxicity.

Tobramycin ophthalmic will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.

 

Precautions

This medication is only for:

  • Treat bacterial infections.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Tobramycin or if you have:

  • A viral or fungal infection in your eye.

To make sure Tobramycin Ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • An allergy to similar antibiotics such as Amikacin, Gentamicin, Kanamycin, Neomycin, Streptomycin, and Vancomycin.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tobramycin ophthalmic can pass into breast milk and cause side effects in the nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medication.

Tobramycin ophthalmic is not approved for use by children under two months.

Side effects

Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

  • Severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine.
  • Swelling.
  • Redness
  • Severe discomfort
  • Scab formation or drainage (may be signs of infection).

Common side effects may include:

  • Itching or redness.
  • Slight burning, stinging, or irritation.
  • Itching or swelling of the eyelids.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Your eyes may be more sensitive to light.

Interactions

  • Avoid wearing contact lenses until you no longer have symptoms of eye infection.
  • This medicine may cause blurred vision and may affect your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do something that requires you to be alert and see clearly.
  • Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
  • It is unlikely that other drugs taken orally or injected will affect Tobramycin used in the eyes, but many medicines can interact with each other.
  • Tell each of your health care providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.

Dosage

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not use this medication in larger or smaller amounts or longer than recommended.

Ophthalmic Tobramycin is usually given 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye every 4 hours. For a severe infection, you may need to use two drops every hour for a short period before reducing the dose and the number of dots per day. Your doctor will tell you how long to continue using the medication.

Follow your doctor’s dosage instructions very carefully:

  • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Tobramycin ophthalmic.
  • Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after applying the medication.
  • Wash your hands before using eye medications.

To apply eye drops:

  • Drop your head back, opening the lower eyelid to spread a little space between the eye and the eye.
  • Hold the dropper whose tip is pointed towards your eye while looking in another direction.
  • Keep your eyes closed for 3 minutes with your head facing the floor, without opening or touching your eyes.
  • Try not to exceed the dose recommended by your doctor; ideally, wait 4 minutes between each drop provided.
  • If you use another type of ophthalmic medication, wait 12 minutes before using them after your first treatment.
  • Never wipe the excess solution with your hands; use a clean cloth.
  • Your site may be somewhat diffuse for a brief moment; therefore, avoid performing tasks such as operating or operating some machine that requires your complete visual attention.

Ophthalmic Tobramycin will treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.