Tobrex Eye Drops

The active ingredient in Tobrex is tobramycin (toe-bra-mye-sin). Tobramycin belongs to an antibiotic family known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It operates by attaching to bacterial ribosomes (the cell's protein-producing machinery) and inhibiting protein synthesis. Without these crucial proteins, the bacteria cannot grow or survive; therefore, the infection resolves.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tobrex. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tobrex:

• Tobrex is typically administered as one to two drops into the affected eye every four hours.
• For a serious infection, you may need to use 2 drops per hour for a brief period of time before gradually decreasing the dose and number of drops each day.
• This medication should not be used when you wear contact lenses. Tobrex may contain a preservative that discolours soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before inserting your contact lenses.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Lean your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to form a little pocket in the cornea. Hold the dropper above the eye, tip down. Look up and away from the dropper.
• Close your eyes for 2-3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from leaking into your tear duct.
• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops advised by your doctor.

How to apply the eye ointment:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to form a little pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing towards the pocket. Look up, away from the tip.
• Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket while keeping the tube tip away from your eye. Blink lightly and then close your eye for a minute or two.
• Wipe off any extra ointment from your eyelashes using a tissue.
• After opening your eyes, you may experience blurred vision for a brief period of time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires clear vision.
• Do not contact the dropper tip or ointment tube to the eye, and do not apply it straight to your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube tip might infect your eye, resulting in severe visual difficulties.
• Take this medication for the whole amount of time prescribed. Your symptoms may improve before the virus is fully resolved. Skipping doses may also increase your chance of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.

Some mild or common side effects of Tobrex seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Eye irritation.
• Eye pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Itchy or puffy eyelids.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tobrex. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives, skin rash, or swelling of the face.
• Severe burning, stinging, or itching after taking this medication.
• Eye swelling, redness, acute irritation, crusting, or discharge (which could indicate an infection).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tobrex. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tobrex, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Viral infection in the eye.
• Eye problems like conjunctivitis.
• Fungal infection in any part of the eye.
• An allergy to comparable antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, and vancomycin.

Hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides or any component of the formulation.

Tobrex (tobramycin) eye drops often begin functioning within 1 to 2 days of administration. Most individuals report reduced redness, swelling, or discharge as the antibiotic begins to kill the bacteria.

However, even if your symptoms resolve quickly, it is critical to take the entire advised course (which is often 5-7 days). Stopping too soon may allow the infection to return or lead to antibiotic resistance.

When Tobrex is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions.

There are no known interactions with Tobrex; however, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider if you take any chronic medication.

Tobrex is available as a 0.3% eye drop or ointment. For mild to moderate infections, apply ointment (about ½ inch) to the affected eye every 8-12 hours or use 1-2 drops every 4-6 hours (increasing to every 1-2 hours for the first day or two if necessary). For severe infections, apply the ointment every 3-4 hours, or 2 drops every 30-60 minutes, gradually reducing frequency as the eye recovers. In severe instances caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, dosing may begin as frequently as 2 drops every 5 minutes for the first hour, then every 30 minutes.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next planned dose is coming up soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dosage.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Novartis Inc. is the company that manufactures Tobrex.

Yes, there are several generic versions of Tobrex available.

You should only stop taking Tobrex (tobramycin) when your doctor informs you it's safe to do so, usually after finishing the entire advised course. Even if your eye feels better, stopping too soon can cause the infection to recur or grow resistant to the antibiotic.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Tobramycin ophthalmic can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.