6 mins read

Overview: Zylet is an eye drop used for eye infections and inflammation caused by certain bacteria. It combines an antibiotic, tobramycin, to stop bacterial growth, and a steroid, loteprednol, to relieve swelling. Common side effects include eye or eyelid irritation. Serious side effects are rare, but may include severe allergic reactions and infections with other germs. Prolonged use may cause eye problems such as increased eye pressure and cataracts. Contact your healthcare provider if your eye condition does not improve with use.

Uses

What is Zylet used for?

Zylet is commonly used for eye infections caused by certain bacteria, and to help relieve eye inflammation and swelling from the infection.

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

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

How does Zylet work (mechanism of action)?

Zylet contains two active ingredients: tobramycin, which is an antibiotic, and loteprednol, which is a steroid. Tobramycin works by stopping certain bacteria from making proteins they need to grow. Loteprednol works by calming (suppressing) the immune system to reduce swelling and inflammation in the eye.

How is Zylet supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zylet

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5%/0.3% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)

How should I store Zylet?

Zylet should be stored upright at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zylet?

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

  • Eye redness
  • Inflamed eye surface (keratitis), which may cause symptoms such as eye irritation or watering, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light 
  • Increased pressure inside the eye (see below)
  • Burning and stinging after you put it in your eye
  • Headache
  • Allergic reactions (see below)

There may be other side effects of Zylet 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 Zylet?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zylet may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zylet 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, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Increased Pressure Inside the Eye. Using Zylet for a long time may increase the pressure inside your eye. This may cause or worsen glaucoma, an eye condition where you have gradual vision loss due to high pressure inside the eye. Do not use Zylet for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked, especially if you use this medicine for 10 days or longer. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes. 

Cataracts. Using Zylet for a long time may cause cloudiness in your eye (posterior capsule opacification), which is also known as a secondary cataract. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms of cataracts.

  • Cloudy or blurred vision
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Problems with glare

Another Infection and Delayed Healing. Using Zylet may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Zylet may also hide or worsen an active infection and slow healing. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve after two days or if the following symptoms of an eye infection come back or get worse.

  • Pink or itchy eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Increased pus or eye discharge
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Fever
  • Eye pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zylet?

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

  • Zylet
  • Loteprednol
  • Tobramycin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zylet.

Certain Types of Infections. People with the following types of infections should not use Zylet, as it could make these conditions worse.

  • Herpes simplex keratitis, which is an eye infection caused by herpes simplex virus
  • Most types of active viral infections of the eye, such as those caused by chickenpox (varicella) or poxvirus (vaccinia)
  • Mycobacterial infections of the eye, such as an infection from tuberculosis 
  • Fungal infection of the eye

What should I know about Zylet before using it?

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

Shake the bottle well before each use. Make sure that you or a caregiver knows how to properly administer eye drops. 

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

Keep Zylet out of the reach of children.

To help prevent germs from contaminating the Zylet bottle, be careful not to let the tip touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider if your eye symptoms get worse, do not improve, or if you have new eye problems, eye pain, or vision changes.

Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with Zylet.

You may experience temporary blurred vision after using Zylet. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how Zylet affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zylet?

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 Zylet is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Glaucoma
  • A condition that causes thinning of the outer layer (cornea) or white of your eye

Planned Eye Surgery. Using Zylet may raise the risk of eye problems after cataract surgery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are planning to have eye surgery. 

Aminoglycoside Allergy. Some people who have had a past allergic reaction to an aminoglycoside medicine, such as amikacin or gentamicin, may also be sensitive to medicines that contain tobramycin. 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 Zylet.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zylet 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 Zylet 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 use Zylet while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zylet?

For more information about Zylet, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.bausch.com/products/rx-pharmaceuticals/anti-infective or call them at 800-553-5340.

Interactions

Does Zylet interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zylet and foods or drinks.

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

Does Zylet interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Zylet 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 Zylet?

If you or someone else has used too much Zylet, 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 Zylet?

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 Zylet, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Zylet or other similar medicines.