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Tobramycin ophthalmic is an antibiotic used to treat eye infections caused by certain bacteria. It works by stopping bacteria from growing. Common side effects include eye or eyelid irritation. Serious side effects are rare, but may include severe allergic reactions and infections with other germs. It comes as an eye drop and an eye ointment. Contact your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not get better with use.

Uses

What is tobramycin ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Tobramycin ophthalmic is commonly used to treat infections on the surface of the eye and surrounding area caused by certain bacteria.

Tobramycin ophthalmic may not be appropriate for some eye infections, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Some bacteria may have developed resistance to tobramycin ophthalmic, which will make it less effective.

Tobramycin ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Other forms of tobramycin are available for use by injection. See Tobramycin for more information. 

Other forms of tobramycin are available for use by inhalation. See Tobramycin inhaled for more information.

How does tobramycin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Tobramycin ophthalmic works by stopping certain bacteria from making proteins they need to grow.

How is tobramycin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Tobrex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.3% ophthalmic ointment
  • 0.3% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store tobramycin ophthalmic?

Tobramycin ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of tobramycin ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of tobramycin ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Allergic reactions (see below)
  • Eye irritation or redness
  • Eyelid itching or swelling

There may be other side effects of tobramycin ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of tobramycin ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of tobramycin ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tobramycin ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using tobramycin ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, blisters, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection. Using tobramycin ophthalmic may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or if the following symptoms of an eye infection come back or get worse.

  • Pink or itchy eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye discharge or crusting
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Fever

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use tobramycin ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use tobramycin ophthalmic.

  • Tobramycin
  • Tobrex
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific tobramycin ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about tobramycin ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use tobramycin ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share tobramycin ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep tobramycin ophthalmic out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Follow the instructions that come with your prescription, so you know how to use your tobramycin product properly. Be careful not to let the tip touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before and after use. Tell your healthcare provider if your eye infection gets worse, does not improve, or if you have any new eye problems, eye pain, or vision changes.

Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with tobramycin ophthalmic.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using tobramycin ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if tobramycin ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Aminoglycoside Allergy. Tobramycin ophthalmic belongs to a group of antibiotics called aminoglycosides. Some people who have had a past allergic reaction to an aminoglycoside, such as amikacin or gentamicin, may also be sensitive to tobramycin ophthalmic. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medicines. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if it is safe for you to use tobramycin ophthalmic.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how tobramycin ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tobramycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop tobramycin ophthalmic or stop breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does tobramycin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between tobramycin ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect tobramycin ophthalmic, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection. 

Does tobramycin ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between tobramycin ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much tobramycin ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much tobramycin ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of tobramycin ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of tobramycin ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to tobramycin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.